Good luck, Team Parkland Valley!!!

Hey, everybody! Reader here, and I had the honour and pleasure of serving as the MC for a very special event last night.

The 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games are coming up on July 21-27 in Lloydminster, and last night at the Gallagher Centre, it was the pep rally and send-off for Team Parkland Valley, as they gear up to give it their all in the Border City!

Say hello to Team Parkland Valley, as they look to test their mettle against the best young athletes from all across Saskatchewan!

The place was standing room only, and they ended up having to bring in more chairs to seat the overflow crowd, that was excited to meet the members of Team Parkland Valley, and cheer on their family and friends.

In all, there are 184 members of from Parkland Valley heading to Lloyd for the games: 145 athletes, 30 coaches and managers, and 9 mission staff members.

I kicked off the evening by welcoming everyone, and sharing some information about the upcoming games.

I then ceded the podium to Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit, who brought greetings and well-wishes on behalf of the Province of Saskatchewan

Yorkton MLA addresses the huge crowd of athletes, coaches, family and friends, who gathered to send off Team Parkland Valley.

Matt Read, from the Lloydminster organizing committee then spoke, and showed a hype video to get everyone even more excited about the Games.

Team Parkland Valley chef de mission Chelsey Johnson and assistant chef de mission Wendy McLeod then went over all the important rules and info for team members, and then I had the pleasure of introducing the athletes, coaches and mission staff, who will represent Team Parkland Valley, in sports ranging from team sports like baseball, soccer, volleyball and basketball, to athletics, golf, swimming, archery, canoe/kayak and more..

Not only that, but I also was given the chance to unveil the names of the athletes who’ll be carrying the Parkland Valley banners and flag into the opening ceremony.

Drew & Demi Jepson from Esterhazy will carry in the banners, while Yorkton’s Kerr Pendleton will proudly bear the flag.

All three athletes are participating in two events each during the Games, and this symbolic responsibility recognizes their dedication and leadership within the team.

It’s an exciting time for everyone taking part. Not only do these young athletes get to compete against the best competition the province has to offer, but they’ll have a chance to make lasting memories, meet new people, and make friendships that’ll last a lifetime!

It was so much fun to be a small part of such a great evening!