An exciting opportunity lies ahead for several southeast artistic swimmers as they prepare for the upcoming Saskatchewan Winter Games.
The team representing the region will be the Southeast Connections, made up of seven athletes: Seirra Mantei, Rowyn Shier, Ava Donnison, Mahaley Fonstad, Isabelle Pyra, Kayden Pukas, and Brinley Groenveld. Pukas and Groenveld will compete as a duet, Donnison and Pyra form another duet, while Mantei and Shier will perform as soloists.
The athletes say the Games will be both an exciting challenge and a chance to connect with others.
“I think it’s really exciting — it only happens every four years or so, so it’s big to make the team,” said Rowyn Shier.
“It’s a big experience because you meet so many other athletes across Saskatchewan in one place. You meet so many new people and it’s just really fun to go to the event,” added Seirra Mantei.
Training for the Games has already begun. “We’ve been continuing training after the season and making sure that we’re stretching and everything, and we will have a camp next weekend with more training,” explained Mantei.
Coach Kelsey Potoma said the upcoming SE Connections camp will focus on team building and routine development, combining pool sessions with activities like aerial yoga and a bonfire, before wrapping up with a full day of training in Weyburn.
“It’s a great time in August to start that process so we’re not leaving it until the last minute,” Potoma noted. “I can write a routine down, but this gives us a chance to test what really works in the water.”
Manager for the SE Connections, Amber Mantei, said the Mermaids have been quick to embrace Donison of Weyburn, who joined after her home pool closed. “It’s awesome to see the duets, the soloists, and the team routine come together. Kelsey has already built quite a program with some wild music, and it’s exciting to think about how it will look at the games.”
For Potoma, who competed at the 2014 Winter Games in Prince Albert, the event is especially meaningful. “It’s so rewarding to teach others the sport I grew to love,” she said. “I’m really excited to be on the other side this time, helping these athletes experience that same level of competition.”
The team also expressed gratitude for their sponsors, including Canadian Plains Energy Services, Dun-Rite Glass, Energy Electric Ltd., King Street Chiropractic and Health Centre, Mack Auction Company Ltd., and Mantei’s Diamond & Ranch Ltd.
The 2025 Saskatchewan Winter Games will be hosted in Meadow Lake, where the Southeast Connections will represent the Southeast district in artistic swimming.