TEAM SASK READY FOR 2003 WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES

An enthusiastic Team Saskatchewan was introduced today in preparation for the upcoming 2003 Western Canada Summer Games (WCSG), a proving ground for the young athletes hoping to compete in the 2005 Jeux du Canada Games in Regina.

Team Saskatchewan 2003 athletes participating in the 8th WCSG in Selkirk, Manitoba, August 1st -10th hope to qualify for the 2005 Canada Games. The team consists of 398 athletes, coaches and managers, and 18 mission staff.

"Saskatchewan is an extraordinary place where our creativity, friendliness and determination built a province. I know Team Saskatchewan will build on that foundation at the 2003 Western Canada Games," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford said. "These Games lead up to the 2005 Canada Games, which will be hosted right here in Saskatchewan during our Centennial."

"These Games continue to provide an opportunity for our developing athletes to compete against the 'best in the west' in a multi-sport environment," Saskatchewan Games Council Chair Brenda Dowling said. "For many of the participants it will be a stepping stone to the next level in their pursuit of excellence."

Since its inception in 1975, the Western Canada Games have been held about every four years and have been hosted in all four of the Western provinces, with athletes also coming from the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and, for the first time in 2003, Nunavut. Saskatchewan hosted the most recent Western Canada Games in 1999 where Team Saskatchewan placed second behind British Columbia.

"The Games represent an opportunity for athletes to develop skills, to learn to cope with the pressures of high-profile competition, and to meet and appreciate the abilities of other athletes," SaskSport Inc. President Larry LeBlanc said. "To reach this level of competition, athletes have demonstrated hard work, persistence, determination and self discipline."

The team's new uniforms and trading pins were also unveiled today.

Athletes will be competing in 18 different events throughout the 10-day competition. Team Saskatchewan results will be updated daily on the Team Saskatchewan web site at www.gov.sk.ca/teamsask/summer03. The official 2003 Western Canada Games web site is located at www.wcsg2003.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Wendy Campbell Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-1062