1998 Saskatchewan Winter Games: Promotions Newsletters Vol. 2

Volume 2 - April 1997

CUDDLE UP '98

Official Newsletter of the 1998 Saskatchewan Winter Games

A successful volunteer sign-up and information night was held February 24, 1997 at the Legion Hall in Nipawin. The evening was hosted by the 1998 Winter Games Volunteer Committee. Prospective volunteers had the opportunity to view and discuss with the various committees their duties and involvement in the organization of the Winter Games. Guests were entertained by Nipawin talents, Edwin Brittan in authentic Native costume, Hilda Lessing in her German costume and the Veselii Ukrainian Dancers. Classical guitarists Dawn Stimulus and Don Happner of White Fox, also performed along with the various sporting events that were highlighted by presentations and demonstrations. Wilbur-r-r-r, the Games Mascot, was also in attendance to greet the guests, participate in several demonstrations and dazzle the crowd with the Macarena! Many people took this opportunity to sign up and find their 'Gold' as Games volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, please call the Games office at 862-1998.

Souvenirs are arriving daily, be sure to stop in at the Games office and check over the large selection of merchandise available.

Friday, April 4, was probably one of the most important days in 1998 Winter Games history. This date marked the official signing of the Quad Party Agreement, between the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Games Council, the Town of Nipawin and 1998 Winter Games Inc.

On hand for the Quad Party Agreement signing were, the Honorable Andy Renaud, Minister of Highways and Transportation, Marlene Hoffman, Chairperson, Saskatchewan Games Council, His Worship Oren Robison, Mayor of Nipawin, Tim Verklan, Chairman of the 1998 Nipawin Host Planning Committee and Wilbur-r-r-r, the official Games Mascot. Ross Lynd, Zone 8 Consultant, Saskatchewan Sport, Recreation and Lottery Branch, was the emcee for the ceremonies.

The signing seals for the Host Committee, two of the largest cash donations expected for the 1998 Games. The Agreement gave the Host Committee $235,000.00 from the Saskatchewan Games Council and $70,000.00 from the Town of Nipawin.

A large crowd was on hand at the Evergreen Centre Pro Shop to witness the signing and cheque presentations.

The 1998 Winter Games in Nipawin will feature seven sports that have not a part of the Games for several years or are new to our region. The new sports are speed skating, biathlon, cross-country skiing, weightlifting, judo, table tennis and hand gun. The introduction of these new sports will mean that residents of Nipawin and area will now have the opportunity to participate in sports not previously available to them. This is just another way that Nipawin and area will find Gold in "98.

Be sure to visit The 1998 Winter Games Booth at the Nipawin Lion's Trade fair, April 18, 19 & 20, 1998. Information, Volunteer sign-up sheets and souvenirs will all be available.

Wilbur-r-r-r 'See' Winter has been a busy bear the last while. He has been seen as far away as Saskatoon for Telemiracle and S.A.R.M., Prince Albert and Tisdale. Wilbur-r-r-r has also attended many events in the Nipawin area, with appearances at Alex Wright, L.P. Miller and Codette schools, Pineview Lodge, the Lion's Provincial Convention, Nipawin Bowl-a-Spiel and numerous other events. Wilbur-r-r-r also had an opportunity to try his hand at all the Games events recently, he took part in the filming of footage for upcoming advertising. Wilbur-r-r-r reported having a fun, but very tiring day, he hasn't decided which sports he plans to tryout for!

Nipawin, the Evergreen Jewel of Kelsey Country, is proud Host of the 1998 Saskatchewan Winter Games, February 22 - 28, 1998.

The 1998 Saskatchewan Winter Games impact the community in several positive aspects. A boost in regional pride envelopes the area from the first announcement of the host bid, through the closing ceremonies. Physical advancements in the community are evident, including the maintenance of facilities, additional new equipment, and improvements to venues. Plus, community recreation programs are advanced by the introduction of new sports. The many athletes, spectators and event related visitors to the town undoubtedly have a positive effect on the local economy.

Major events create a direct bonus resulting in the monetary gain to both local and provincial businesses. A 1995 provincial study researched the average family spending at a weekend tournament and/or amateur sports event. Each family from the home town spent an average $71.63, whereas visitors to the host community spent an average $174.11. Businesses and services enroute to the host community also benefit, with each traveling family spending $79.94 to get to the sports event.

The Nipawin Economic Development Department, with the Sask Sport and Saskatchewan Municipal Government, will be participating in an assessment of the economic impact of the 1998 Saskatchewan Winter Games.

"Find Your Gold at the End of the Rainbow" is the Winter Games Slogan. It not only becomes an appropriate battle city for athletes who aspire to the lofty heights of the medal podium, but a reasonable look at the economic "gold rush" the games brings to this region.

The sport of weightlifting has not been a part of the Saskatchewan Winter Games for several years, so it is exciting for Nipawin as the host site to create renewed interest for the sport.

Olympic Weightlifting consists of two primary lifts in which the athlete gets three turns to lift as much weight as he or she can in each lift and the total is accumulated. The two lifts are snatch and the clean and jerk. Both lifts, to be considered successful require the athlete to lift the weight above their heads.

Prior to competition, all athletes are weighed and placed in the appropriate weight categories, therefore only competing against other athletes of the same size. To be eligible for competition in the 1998 Winter Games, athletes must have been born in 1975 or later and try out for the Zone 8 team.

A weightlifting club has been formed in Nipawin. There are now about 15 members ranging in age from 13-18 years. The club members work out at Bodies By Choice, here in Nipawin, under the capable supervision of Mike Woodward, Joyce Lanz and key volunteers, Craig Griffin, Mitch Lungel and Scott Hill. Anyone interested in joining the club should call Mike or Joyce at 862-5883.

On April 26th, 1997, a weightlifting meet will be held here in Nipawin. Clubs from Humboldt, Prince Albert and Bjorkdale will be attending. It is expected that about 40 athletes will be displaying their power and abilities at the meet. The Nipawin club will have 10 competitors involved, all checking out the competition for the Zone 8 team.

1998 Saskatchewan Winter Games
P.O. Box 1998
Nipawin, Saskatchewan
Canada S0E 1E0

Phone:	(306) 862-1998
Fax:	(306) 862-2494
Email:	nipawin@sk.sympatico.ca
Web Site:	www.cybervillagemall.com/wintergames