SASKWATER INITIATES MINTENKO-COMMUNITY SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

SaskWater has initiated a partnership between Olympic swimmer Michael Mintenko and Prince Arthur Community School in Moose Jaw, in which Mintenko is an exemplary role model for the school's 273 students.

SaskWater proudly supports Michael's effort to work toward his goals and achieve excellence as an athlete, and recognizes him as an example for all young people.

Mintenko hosted a special swim today with the students after he announced his donation of General Mills Olympic endorsed products to the school's food program.

"Partnerships between schools and Crown corporations are an important part of the value that Crown corporations bring to the province," Labour Minister and Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Deb Higgins on behalf of Minister responsible for SaskWater Peter Prebble said. "SaskWater expanded its partnership this year to offer community school students the chance to meet a role model whose efforts and attitude may inspire them in the future. SaskWater's partnership support helps increase students' capacity for academic and life success."

As part of SaskWater's ongoing involvement with Prince Arthur Community School, the local Crown made the announcement during Education Week to provide $5000 to support the school's annual swim lesson program and its purchase of agenda books which help students to improve communication and study skills.

Prince Arthur Principal Wayne Wolsfeld explained why the school continues to benefit from this partnership with SaskWater. "SaskWater's partnership with the school has provided foundational learning tools for students in our community, which is a valuable step toward building on our community's quality of life. SaskWater's support for the swim program allows us to reach every student in our school, who may otherwise not have the opportunity. The students are thrilled to meet someone like Michael who is from Moose Jaw and proves that if you dream big, you can realize your dreams," Wolsfeld said.

Community Schools function as the focal point of activity for their local communities. Prince Arthur Community School believes its urban school swim program is unique in that it offers every student the opportunity to participate in a swim lesson program.

SaskWater is the Crown water utility and a Total Quality Water Management company. The corporation provides competitively-priced, customer-focussed, water and wastewater services to Saskatchewan industries, municipalities and rural water groups.

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For More Information, Contact:

Felechia Brodie SaskWater Moose Jaw Phone: (306) 694-3940