SASKATCHEWAN'S CENTENNIAL PLANNING OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

The unveiling of Saskatchewan's Centennial logo and release of the Centennial themes marked the official launch of planning for Saskatchewan's Centennial year in 2005.

"Saskatchewan's founders had a vision of a province full of opportunity for all. Through the strength of our people and communities, we have realized this dream," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "In 2005, Saskatchewan will mark its Centennial year by honoring past successes and by celebrating the promise of a wide open future -- a future built upon a solid foundation of new ideas, vitality and the creativity of our young people."

The logo for the Centennial builds on the province's Our Future is Wide Open theme through a graphic treatment of a human figure with arms wide open. Three main themes or messages will support the graphic element:

• Saskatchewan is an extraordinary place where our creativity built a
province and helped to build one of the greatest nations on earth;

• This moment in time challenges us to again draw on that strength and
inventiveness that is so much a part of Saskatchewan; and

• The world needs a little more Saskatchewan.

In announcing plans for the Centennial, Premier Calvert and Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford commended the many organizations and groups that have already begun planning for their Centennial projects.

"We all have a part to play in making our Centennial a resounding success. Creating a memorable Centennial depends on us working together, sharing our strengths and our vision of what we can create," Crofford said.

To support the Centennial, government is investing $20 million in new money through the Community Initiatives Fund over three years to support four key program areas: Centennial community initiatives; Centennial capital grants that support improvements to cultural and recreational facilities; increasing physical activity in the province, and aboriginal and northern participation and capacity building.

The Celebrating Community Centennial Grant Program targets community-based activities that support unique projects designed to create new understanding among people from diverse communities. The Centennial Capital Grant Program will fund the renovation or construction of sport, culture, recreation and heritage facilities.

Further details about the four key program areas will be announced in the near future.

This new funding is in addition to the $120 million investment in the Centennial made through the Centenary Fund, a four-year program to fund capital projects and to improve municipal infrastructure.

Details about these programs and other news about Saskatchewan's Centennial are available from the Government of Saskatchewan home page at www.gov.sk.ca or Saskatchewan's Centennial web site at www.saskatchewancentennial.com.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967 Email: spadmanabh