Delegation takes close look at Swift Current’s Games venues
Even with 14 months to go before the opening ceremonies, close attention is being paid to the facilities and venues Swift Current will utilize to host the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.
Two days of meetings and venue tours were hosted on May 23 and 24 as visiting provincial and territorial delegations had their first opportunity to learn about the plans already in place as Swift Current gears up to host the Games on August 9 to 18. Approximately 1,700 athletes from host Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut will compete in 16 sports during the 10-day multi sport competition.
Last week’s meetings allowed Chefs de Mission representing their provinces and territories a chance to meet with the Western Canada Summer Games Council plus the Host Society and Technical Committee, plus to have a chance to tour the community.
Swift Current’s Games will feature competition in basketball, beach volleyball, canoe/ kayak, cycling, soccer, softball, swimming, athletics, baseball, diving, golf, rowing, triathlon, tennis, indoor volleyball, and wrestling.
Swift Current Games cochair Melissa Shaw noted the delegation had an opportunity to see one of the showcase venues in action, as they were able to visit the all-weather track during the SWAC Track and Field meet on May 23.
“Our timing couldn’t have worked out better to have the track meet that day, and having them walk through and see how it’s actively set up. And we talked about maybe some of the differences that we’ll see when it’s set up for the Western Canada Summer Games. It was more than we could have asked for. Visually it allowed for us to have some discussions about maybe any improvements to the set up that could happen or things they really liked,” Shaw said.
Seeing this venue in action showed there will be minimal distraction and overlap at the facility during track events, jumping events, plus throwing events.
It was also a chance to show off the various venues and plans they have for the various competitions.
“It showed that we’ve had some chance to think about it. And we’ve had some chance to put some of our preliminary plans into place. So now we can build on those and keep moving towards that detail that we’re going to need come August of next year.”
Shaw noted that reason for the meeting was to share the extensive work which has already been done by the organizing committee, but also to gather feedback and other perspectives of their plans.
“This is a general overview, not just of venues but of our policy planning, our structure, where we’re going, where we’ve been.”
“I think we feel that we have a great start, and have an even better idea of now where we need to get to be moving towards.”
The meeting with representatives of the participating jurisdictions was also an opportunity to make improvements to enhance the Games experience of those who will be attending.
Darin Banadyga, who serves as Chairperson of the Western Canada Summer Games Council, noted the provincial government is investing $1.5 million through the Swift Current Host Society to help put on the Games.
“After going through the venues and hearing the plans, it’s a great investment for the province. And I think Swift Current will be a very, very gracious and a very well known host in the history of the Games. They’ve certainly got a great plan in place right now.”
“It’s always great for the province to host any type of large event, and certainly the Western Canada Summer Games are that large event, with 1,700 some athletes coming to the area within those few days in August, and all the visitors and families that’ll come with those people.”
He noted the government investment in the Games will help leave a legacy for the host community, as the improvements to facilities and equipment will remain in Swift Current and area to benefit athletes in those sports.
Team Manitoba Chef de Mission Pat Kirby, who has been involved in a variety of Games dating back to 1989, said things are already looking positive in Swift Current.
“Awesome. Great venues. A town of 18,000ish, great venues. The kids are going to be ecstatic for what you’re going to do for completion,” he said.
“All the boxes are checked off in terms of what a host society needs to be doing and what the athletes, coaches and managers are expecting.”