PROVINCE CONGRATULATES SASKATCHEWAN ATHLETES

The Government of Saskatchewan expressed its pride in all of Saskatchewan's athletes that competed at the 2006 Commonwealth and Paralympic Games.

"On behalf of the province, I want to congratulate all Saskatchewan's competitors who participated in the recently completed games and tell you how very proud we are of you," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "It is an amazing accomplishment to compete at the international level and to achieve personal excellence."

The 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, which took place March 10th to March 19th in Turin, Italy and the Commonwealth Games that took place in Melbourne, Australia March 15th to March 26th both saw Saskatchewan athletes reach the podium.

"All of Saskatchewan's athletes did an outstanding job in demonstrating their fantastic abilities and our athletes showed the world the meaning of heart and determination through their performances," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "We are very proud of those who participated."

Colette Bourgonje of Saskatoon competed in the Nordic skiing events at the Paralympic Winter Games gaining two bronze medals in the Women's 10 km Classic and Women's 5 km Freestyle events. Bourgonje also posted an impressive 6th place finish in the Women's 2.5 km freestyle event.

At the Commonwealth Games Kirk Reynolds of Outlook won silver in the men's pairs trap shooting event. Scott Illingsworth of North Battleford captured a bronze medal in the men's 25-metre pairs pistols event and Clayton Miller of Saskatoon also took home bronze in the Men's Skeet event.

For further details go online to www.paralympic.ca and www.commonwealthgames.ca.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Richard Fink Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-5781 Cell: (306) 533-3088