The gym at Lloyd Comp reverberated with cheers for Rivers West as the home team filled the room ahead of the Saskatchewan Summer Games in Lloydminster.
With just over two weeks to go to the start of the July 21-27 sports showcase, the athletes, including those from Lloydminster, were meeting for the first time at the Lloydminster Comprehensive, the games village.
Swimming, soccer, tennis, volleyball, golf, archery, and basketball, the athletes were all revved up ahead of the long-awaited games that have not been held in the province for eight years.
Some team members will have special duties at the opening ceremony including:
- Games flag bearer – Carson Mazzei – Golf – Lloydminster
- Torch bearers – Kane Cyr – Volleyball – Lloydminster                                     – Maya Macnab – Tennis & Triathlon – Lloydminster
- Athletes Oath – Sawyer Greenan – Volleyball & Basketball – Meadow Lake                       – Ezri Vidal – Volleyball & Basketball – Meadow Lake
- Coaches Oath – Ali Beloud – Soccer – North Battleford                                     – Lynn de Montarnal – Swimming – Edam
- Banner carriers – Oscar Minogue – Swimming & Triathlon – Elrose                             – Breanna Velasco – Swimming & Soccer – – Kindersley
Donna Johnston-Genest, executive director for Rivers West says they have assembled one of the biggest teams they have ever had with some 250 athletes, coaches, and staff.
“It’s just so exciting. Part of our job as mission staff is to get the kids excited and keep them excited. So, they can have the best experience possible.”
Johnston-Genest is also the chief-de-mission for the games and says Lloydminster has done an outstanding job as she looks forward to coming back to the Border City “to celebrate, watch competition, and cheer on our athletes.”
The Saskatchewan Summer Games, presented by Teine Energy will see over 1,800 athletes from nine districts competing in 14 sports including Special Olympics at venues across Lloydminster.
