The first day of the Saskatchewan Winter Games saw some of the province’s top young athletes compete.
The games will see approximately 1,700 athletes and coaches throughout the week, competing in 17 different sports.
Vlad Hleha, 12, travelled from Regina with his gymnastics team. He started the sport six years ago and said he’s excited to compete at the games.
“I feel really grateful because not a lot of people have this chance and I feel really appreciative,” Hleha said.
Get daily Saskatoon news
“They had to prepare their routines a couple months ago and show them in front of the judges and they had to qualify. There was usually only two or three spots for each team,” Team Regina gymnastics coach Katherine Collins said.
Athletes range in age from nine to 17 and are divided into nine districts of the province, representing hundreds of communities.
“It’s a really good tool to bring lots of different sports together, lots of different kids together that would never cross paths otherwise,” games manager Nicole Clow said.
North Battleford is expecting an economic impact of more than $4 million throughout the week of the games.
“This is one of those events that can really bring a community together. This is a big thing for us right now. This city is really excited to host something that can bring out all these people,” Clow said.
The athletes will continue to compete for the rest of week until the closing ceremony on Saturday.
The next Saskatchewan Games will be held in Lloydminster in the summer of 2020.