Rivers West representatives place the ceremonial torch during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games at the Meadow Lake Co-op Centre on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan Games Council)

By Kenneth Cheung

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

‘You are the best, and that’s why you’re here’: Sask. Winter Games officially underway with over 1,400 athletes

Feb 16, 2026 | 1:00 PM

Under the bright lights of the opening ceremony, Rivers West athlete Tristan Maatman stepped onto the floor carrying more than just his team colours – he carried the pride of home.

“I feel amazing coming back to the games. It feels like a home that I kind of went away with, but now I went back here now,” the 17-year-old said.

Maatman is representing Rivers West in both table tennis and badminton at the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games, returning to the provincial stage after competing in the 2024 Summer Games.

The opening ceremony, held Sunday night at the Meadow Lake Co-op Centre, officially launched the week-long multi-sport event running Feb. 15 to 21 across 13 local venues, bringing together athletes, coaches and families from across Saskatchewan.

“It’s just an absolute honour and I’m so glad that including me and all the athletes have the opportunity to compete,” Maatman said as he reflected on joining competitors from every district.

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LET THE GAMES BEGIN

'You are the best, and that's why you're here': Sask. Winter Games officially underway with over 1,400 athletes

3h ago

Rivers West athlete Tristan Maatman (right, front, in navy blue) is among the district representatives carrying the Games flag into the arena during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games at the Meadow Lake Co-op Centre on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan Games Council)

Team Rivers West enters the arena during the parade of athletes at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games at the Meadow Lake Co-op Centre on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan Games Council)

He is among more than 1,400 athletes competing in the Games, representing nine district teams from communities throughout the province. Rivers West includes athletes from North Battleford, Lloydminster, Rosetown, Biggar, Kindersley and Meadow Lake, giving the team a strong local presence at the host venue.

Maatman said months of preparation went into reaching the provincial stage, with training both in and out of school to compete in two sports. While he hopes to perform well, he believes the experience carries a deeper meaning.

“It’s more than just an experience and a multisport event. It’s a privilege for everyone in Saskatchewan who gets to be a part of this magnificent event,” he said.

Speakers throughout the ceremony echoed that message, reminding athletes that the week ahead is about growth and connection as much as competition.

Dwight King, a former NHL player and two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014, and co-chair of the Winter Games, encouraged competitors to stay grounded as events begin.

“Don’t let the moment be too big,” he told athletes gathered in the arena. 

“You worked hard in your practice time, you put in the work, go in there with confidence, and show your abilities. … An event like this might happen once in your lifetime. Take a moment, absorb it.”

Former NHLer and 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games co-chair Dwight King speaks during the opening ceremony at the Meadow Lake Co-op Centre on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan Games Council)

(Image Credit: Saskatchewan Games Council)

The Games are being co-hosted by the City of Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation, marking the first time a Saskatchewan Winter Games has been held through a city–First Nation partnership. Leaders described the collaboration as a point of pride and a reflection of the region’s spirit of unity.

Flying Dust First Nation Chief Tyson Bear urged athletes to embrace the experience and the friendships that come with it.

“Have fun. Have fun, make friends, smile… be a good sportsman out there,” he said. “Just make friends that carry on forever.”

Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) vice-chief Norma Catarat also reminded competitors of what it means to reach this stage.

“You were here to be your best, and you are the best, and that’s why you’re here,” she said.

(Image Credit: Saskatchewan Games Council)

As competition begins across venues in the days ahead, Maatman said he hopes athletes will remember the significance of the moment and the communities supporting them.

“My expectation for the game is to compete at my best, represent my district, to the fullest,” he said.

“Remember that this is more than an opportunity. It’s a privilege… you are so lucky to be here.”

The Games feature 17 sports, including artistic swimming, curling, biathlon, target shooting, and cross-country and para nordic skiing.

To view the full Games schedule, click here. To watch the live stream of each event, click here.

Daily Games results can also be found by clicking here.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com