SASKATCHEWAN SUMMER GAMES WERE A BIG SUCCESS

After a wet and windy start, the Saskatchewan Summer Games came to a warm and sunny close in Weyburn on Saturday.

Organizers estimate the Games brought more than 5,000 people into the city in addition to the more than 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials. It took 1,700 volunteers to make everything run smoothly.

"I'm not surprised that these Games were such a success," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "It was a total community effort, and everyone – the volunteers, the board of directors, the staff – deserves congratulations. Weyburn was truly the place to be in Saskatchewan last week, and I'm sure a lot of wonderful memories were created."

"I think the Games have been a tremendous success," Saskatchewan Summer Games Media and Public Relations Director Sherry Leach said. "We got off to a bit of a tough start with the weather, but the crowds were great – the stands were packed at every venue."

Leach said there are many reasons these Games went so well: a lot of people have put in more than two years' worth of work, the community was behind the effort from the start, and the Friends of the Games raised $1 million, which helped provide high quality venues.

The sports venues weren't the only attractions for visitors to the games – the cultural festival also drew large, enthusiastic crowds.

For final results on all the events, visit www.summergames.ca

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For More Information, Contact:

Shelley Fayant Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-2047