It's hard to believe that the Saskatchewan Summer Games was last held in 2016 in Estevan. A 2020 edition of the Games was supposed to happen, but just like every event at the time, it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Eight years later, the torch was lit and the competition is back on.
"It's a really big event. The gyms are always packed, usually for games, no matter what time of the day it is. So yeah, it's always super busy. People going in and out and it feels like there's always eyes on you, so the pressure was for sure on, but that didn't take away any of the fun either. [It] made everything a lot more exciting for you as an athlete," expressed athlete Bethany Montebon.
Montebon played as a point guard for Team Southeast's female basketball team back in 2016. From what she recalls, it was a well-organized event with many volunteers ready to help and support the athletes. She added that they had opportunities to support other athletes in other sports during the week. Montebon joked that it also allowed her to study the opponents she would be facing later that fall.
"They put on a bunch of events also at the school [and] lots of games. We had a dance even, like a big dance during the Games. It was just super fun to meet a bunch of other athletes around Saskatchewan. Then, you grow up and you play against them too later in your years in your high school year. So it was kind of exciting to know the upcoming competition that you were up against."
She will still be carrying the Southeast District on her shoulders during the Games, as she's become the head coach for the female basketball team. From an athlete to becoming a coach, she noted it was a full circle moment for her. "You know, growing up, I didn't really realize how big of an achievement it is. Now like looking back at it, it's really cool to kind of coach those girls that I was in the same spot as."
Rob Andrist was her coach during the Summer Games. He said it was a fantastic experience and he was glad to have had the opportunity to coach. "A lot of people don't realize that amateur sports is really fun and it's a good time. It was just a nice opportunity to give kids a chance to play. I've been following the team that's heading up to Lloyd here very closely because I'm a big fan."
As a former coach, he sent the team off with well-wishes and a reminder that will stick with the athletes as they compete.
"First of all, you always, always got to remember you're representing the southeast and that's the biggest thing. The nice thing about Games like that is it brings all students together from different sports - that's probably the best part of it. You're all kind of rooting for each other."
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You know, for a lot of people, it follows the Olympics. It's good timing for them now because the Olympics are on. So, it's going to be a nice way to have a summer."
The legacy of the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games held in Estevan remains strong to this day. Many of the athletes who competed then are now coaches for their respective districts. After a long hiatus, the passion for amateur sports still rings true - and athletes throughout the province have a shot a proving just that this week.
The Saskatchewan Summer Games in Lloydminster run all the way through Saturday, July 27. Fans can watch live streams of different sports events for free here.