The Saskatchewan Games Council announced on Nov. 26, 2013, that the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games would be coming to Estevan.
That was 966 days ago. At the time, it seemed like the 2016 Games were a long way off.
Yet that day seems like it was yesterday. And the Games are now just two days away.
Estevan has hosted the Games once before, in 1980, and those who were around for the multi-sport spectacular that year will tell you what a great event it was, with terrific athletic competitions and an influx of visitors to the community that placed Estevan in the provincial spotlight.
And while Estevan has returned to that spotlight on many occasions in the last 36 years, there’s no questioning the Summer Games’ ability to bring attention to a community.
It will be a chance for us to show off our athletic facilities. The standards for sports facilities have come a long ways since 1980. We’re blessed to have excellent venues for the different sporting events.
The new track and field facility should be particularly popular. It has been billed as the big legacy project of the Games, as it represents a massive upgrade from what Estevan had previously.
But all of our summer sports sites that will be in use have received improvements since Estevan was announced as the Games host.
The Games will be a celebration of the fine athletes from across the province, particularly, those from the southeast region. These young people should be proud of their accomplishments, regardless of whether they win a medal.
It will also be an opportunity to showcase our cultural amenities. The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, Estevan Arts Council, Souris Valley Museum, Souris Valley Theatre, Estevan Public Library and Tourism Estevan all have events planned for the week of the Games.
Hopefully local residents and visitors alike will jump at the chance to enjoy these activities, most of which are ideal for the entire family.
A unique, non-sports attraction will be a visit from the famed Snowbirds flying team. They will be appearing on July 26 as part of the rededication of the Estevan Airport’s runways.
The Games will also provide a spotlight for the community as a whole. It will be a celebration of our people, our businesses and our hospitality. It will show off the commitment to volunteerism that so many in the Estevan area possess.
Only a fool would bemoan the number of people who will be coming to the city next week. And it would take a rare case of mental myopia to not see the community-wide benefits of hosting the Games.
Yes, much of the attention will be on the athletes and coaches next week, and deservingly so. But let’s seize the opportunity when so much attention will be on everything in Estevan.Â