UNITY — The City of Lloydminster was a hot spot for young athletes across the province July 21 to 27 as the host for the Saskatchewan Summer Games. The community was originally set to host the games in 2020 prior to the pandemic but was given the opportunity to host again this year.
In the July 19 edition of the Unity- Wilkie Press-Herald, it was reported that 13 local athletes were attending the games in various sports throughout the week. Of those 13, five students were asked what the experience was like. Most of the athletes said their experience of the games was amazing and were excited to come home with new friends and memories.
Luseland’s track star, Lily Holman, competed as a mid-distance runner. She was able to secure three bronze medals for the 800m, 1500m and the sprint medley relay with Wilkie athlete Cheyanne Cey.
“The biggest challenge I faced was the weather, which was cold, rainy and very windy,” said Holman.
Cey also competed in multiple track events. In the 400m, she placed seventh but dominated in the 300m hurdles where she took the top spot, winning gold.
Also from Wilkie was Kayden Fenrich, who competed in the javelin throw, where he placed sixth in the event.
Unity’s Dawson Gilbert was placed fourth in high jump, only two and a half inches short of the third-place height. He also placed eighth in the 110m hurdles.
Bently Heffner represented Macklin on the Rivers West soccer team, where they had a 2-2 win-loss record. For Heffner, his favourite moment of the week was when he scored a goal. Much like the other athletes, Heffner found the crowded sleeping arrangements to be a bit of a challenge.
“Be prepared to be pushed out of your comfort zone,” he said for any future athletes who get this opportunity.
Inside, Myah Wagner of Unity was found on the basketball court alongside her parents, Jeremy and Cherie as coaches.
“We got treated so good, everyone was so nice, and the food was delicious. I love our clothing, and the bus rides were so much fun,” said Wagner.
In their round robin, the Rivers West team was going to the semi-finals with a 2-1 record.
“We played against a very strong Regina team which we lost, putting us in the bronze medal game. It was close through the whole game against Prairie Central, and we ended up bronze medal champs with a 45-41 win. It was so exciting,” she added.
On the diamonds, the Rivers West softball team were able to become a very close team but was unable to advance to the medal rounds with a 1-2 win-loss record. For utility player Alynne Hein, playing ball against top tier teams was the highlight of the week.
“It was amazing how a team of people who never knew each other could come together and be one of the closest teams I have been a part of,” she said.
Her advice for future athletes, “Don’t hesitate! Do it, it is a lot of fun and a great experience.”
For the baseball team, two young men from the area represented their hometowns of Macklin and Wilkie, Darian Lowe and Keegan Schell. They were up against some tough teams and was able to bring home bronze.
For Schell, his favourite part of the week was when he played against some of his friends on the Prairie Central team in the bronze medal game.
“It’s most likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so just have fun, play your sport and enjoy it,” he said.
Congratulations to all the athletes that competed.
