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Leduc Hosting Games

Pipestone Flyer

    Just eight years after hosting a successful Winter Games, the City of Leduc was awarded the 2016 Alberta Summer Games.

    “I am very pleased to announce the City of Leduc has been awarded the 2016 Alberta Summer Games,” Alberta’s Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Dr. Richard Starke said during the announcement ceremony at the Leduc Recreation Centre’s Co-op Field House on May 15.

    “Leduc has a fantastic reputation for hosting major events,” said Starke. “The fact that Leduc is prepared to host a summer games only eight years after the Winter Games says something about this community.”

    More than 3,000 athletes between the ages of 11 and 17 will compete in such tradition summer sports as basketball, swimming and soccer.

    “The Alberta Summer Games are an opportunity to showcase our provinces talented young athletes as they compete at an elite level in their respective sports,” said Starke.

    “We’re proud to have the Games hosted in Leduc,” said Darrell Melvie, City of Leduc general manager of Parks and Recreation. “We have a first-class facility at the LRC as well as William Lede Park and Telford Lake.”

    Started in 1986 not only do the Games showcase elite athletes and act as a spring board for national and international events, but, Starke said, they encourage and inspire people to get involved, become more active, hone skills and lead healthier lives.

    “Participating in sports at any level develops self-confidence, fosters fairness and team spirit and builds resilience,” said Starke.

    “The Alberta Games have shaped that for 30 years.”

    As for host communities, it builds civic pride, strong communities and provides an economic boost.

    Leduc Mayor Greg Krischke said, he’s proud that Leduc was selected to host the 2016 Alberta Summer Games, but it couldn’t be done without the partnership of Leduc County, the Black Gold School District, and Thomas Aquinnis Separate School District the Edmonton International Airport, the local business community and the volunteers who will be needed to make the games successful.

    ‘It’s great for our community,” said Krischke. “I can tell you we have a great volunteer cadre in Leduc and I know they will be there for the Summer Games.”

    Leduc-Beaumont MLA George Rogers was on hand to express his pride in Leduc for having been selected.

    “The competition and sportsmanship athletes experience at these games will play an important role in their development as the champions and leaders of tomorrow. The City of Leduc is exceptionally well-positioned to host this even and I’m looking forward to this opportunity to highlight all that our great community has to offer.”

    In addition to announcing Leduc had been selected, Starke told those gathered, the Alberta Sport Connection, which operates the Alberta Games on behalf of the provincial government and works closely with the host community, the ASC is providing Leduc with a $420,000 grant to go towards planning organizing and hosting the events.

    “We are absolutely thrilled Leduc is the host city and look forward to seeing you in 2016.”