Sask. Winter Games posts surplus, leaves legacy

The committee for the 2014 Saskatchewan Winter Games held in Prince Albert is ready to wind down.

Al Dyer, chairman for the games organizing committee, was at Prince Albert City Hall on Monday for an executive committee meeting to present their final audited financial statements for the City to review.

He said this was the final step in a journey that started in 2011 with the city vying for the games.

“Four years ago, our mission statement was to host a celebration of sport [and] cultural excellence promoting healthy play while creating a strong community legacy and a rich experience for all and recognition of Prince Albert as a sports and recreation destination of choice,” Dyer said.

He said they wanted to inspire dreams, build champions, instill community pride and create long-lasting friendships and lifetime memories all while advancing sports development and cultural awareness.

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“I think in looking back over that four years we were very successful in all aspects of that. We left a tremendous legacy in the city, both in equipment and in stronger community clubs.”

Dyer said they provided a legacy for City facilities as well.

“We had an ice scraper for the curling club, we had a sound system for the [Dave G. Steuart Arena], a sound system in the Kinsmen Rink and any number of improvements at Little Red Park for snowboarding and that type of thing.”

In addition to those improvements, Carlton Comprehensive High School’s new fitness facility also received new wrestling mats and Little Red Park also saw a number of trail restorations and improvements.

“The legacy of equipment and facility enhancements, plus stronger clubs, was outstanding,” Dyer said.

A report was done with Prince Albert Tourism which looked at the economic development and economic activity the games brought to the city.

Dyer said the economic stimulus was in excess of $2 million.

The games also did something unique in terms of co-ordinating and promoting cultural activities along with the games.

“[With] PA Power we were able to take young entertainers across the province to showcase the fantastic talent we have here in Prince Albert,” Dyer said.

He said in terms of creating a lasting legacy, he saw that come to fruition a few weeks ago.

While at an event, Dyer met a mother whose daughter had attended the games. The mother told Dyer they could talk forever about how enjoyable their experience was and how positive the games were.

Dyer said that was a reflection of their goal in promoting the city and sports.

Once the committee for the games is disbanded, it will have a cheque for city council.

“It’s probably not as large as I would have hoped but we still ran the games at a surplus.  We have a recommendation for city council with the surplus and I’m very proud of the fact we’re able to do that.”

He said the check to city council is the final step for the committee.

Dyer thanks all City staff for helping to make the games a success.

At the executive meeting on Monday, Mayor Greg Dionne thanked Dyer and the committee because they did the work.

“When you talk about legacy and the check you’re going to leave us, no matter what the size of it is, in your budget you left us $250,000 in legacy, you improved a lot of our facilities that we utilize today [and] lots of people don’t realize that and that’s been a bonus to our community.”

Dionne also acknowledged the endless hours the committee worked because they were volunteers who didn’t get paid for their time and effort.

swallace@panow.com

On Twitter: @sarahthesquid