The 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games are less than a year away, and Team Southeast is preparing to recruit their next representatives for the multi-sport showcase of our finest young athletes in the district. While most tryouts have not yet been announced for potential competitors, the sights are already set on recruiting Coaches, Mission Staff, and other Volunteers for the event in Llyodminster next July.

Joni Hagen, Executive Director of Southeast Sports, Culture, and Recreation shares that these volunteers are essential to the games.

"Security is a big reason. The Games are always a safe place, so we use many volunteers to provide security at the venues and the athlete's village. Coaches and Team Managers also act as chaperones for their athletes, escorting them to and from the village and other venues. There's around 1800 athletes gathering there and about 1000 volunteers are needed, so it's a huge undertaking that wouldn't be a success without involvement from people in the community."

Although more than 300 days still remain before the opening ceremonies, and the 200 positions for athletes in the Southeast have not yet been filled, Coaches will need to begin working with their teams about 6 months out from the event. Hagen stresses that now is the perfect time for potential Coaches to begin the application process.

"There are 18 different sports for the Games, and each Provincial sport organization lays out the requirements for potential Coaches and Managers. We have technical packages for each sport that lays out the requirements for folks to see if they qualify, but because we are a year out there are many opportunities to get training in time to meet those requirements. I would recommend you look at those Technical Packages now and work with your Provincial sport organization to get the certifications you might need."

A list of the 18 sports featured in the upcoming Games, along with their Technical Packages can be found HERE.

With 20 years of experience in the Games, first participating as an athlete, Hagen is a true testament to the lifelong joy that can be found through competition. 

"It's exciting, I think I have been to 7 Games total. You can't really put into words how fun and exciting it is to participate in it all, and to see the athletes share their energy and enthusiasm. It's all about the experience they get to have. It's so gratifying to be a part of that."

Judo SE

Although the Saskatchewan Summer Games take years to prepare for, amounting to many thousands of hours in volunteered time, the end result is undeniable. This premier event is often the first taste of multi-sport competition for our young athletes, and it leaves a lasting impression. 

"It's a really big event, really Saskatchewan's only multi-sport event, and it's almost like a mini Olympics. It's really cool. The team spirit, the experience of it all, it is just like going to the Olympics but on a smaller scale. There's opening and closing ceremonies, two intakes of athletes for the first and second half, and athletes can support their district teams by cheering them on at each venue. It's so much more than just participating in your sport; it's about being part of Team Southeast. The athletes always come home with so many new friendships and unique experiences, which is what makes this so special."

You too can be a part of creating these lifelong memories for our local youth. Simply review the requirements laid out in the Technical Packages for each sport and contact your provincial sport organization to inquire about Coaching or Management positions available for Team Southeast. For other volunteers looking for an opportunity to get involved, submit your information with the Expression of Interest Form provided by the Saskatchewan Games Council. By expressing your interest, you will receive future notifications of opportunities to assist your district in preparing for the upcoming Games.

The 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games will take place in Lloydminster from July 21-27, seeing nearly 2,000 participants gather to compete in a province-wide celebration of Sport. Guide our local athletes towards lifelong memories and an experience like no other by volunteering as a Coach or Manager for Team Southeast.

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