The Southern Plains Co-op has stepped forward to be the official food and fuel sponsor of the upcoming 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan.
The Co-op will be recognized as a diamond sponsor for the multi-sport competition, as the value of their contribution is pegged at more than $50,000. An announcement was made at the Co-op’s Estevan grocery store on April 28.
“The Southern Plains Co-op has always been a committed leader in our community,” said Kelly McConnell, co-chair of the Friends of the Games committee. “We were very pleased they approached us early in the planning stages to see where they could help us out.
“They saw the potential to make an impact on our community by assisting with this event. The agreement between Southern Plains and the Games will add a lot of energy to the Games.”
The Co-op will provide a significant discount for all of the food that will help keep the athletes nourished throughout the competition. They will also give a reduced rate for the fuel for the vehicles that will transport the competitors to and from their venues.
“When the board of directors of the Southern Plains Co-op heard that the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games were coming to Estevan, they immediately started discussions on how our organization could become involved,” said Robert Grimsrud, president of the Co-op’s board of directors.
“As a co-operative, it is our value to create a community in which people want to live and want to call their home. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, investing in sport infrastructure, and promoting the spirit of volunteerism are shared values between the board of the Games and the board of Southern Plains.”
Grimsrud noted that the Co-op knew this would be the right fit for their sponsorship dollars. They expect the Co-op will be able to provide high-quality, healthy foods to help the athletes be at their best during the competition.
“Not only will our food be a source of the athletes’ fuel; we will be providing the actual fuel for the transportation to their sport venues,” said Grimsrud.
Grimsrud paid tribute to board member Wendy May-Clark for her work to bring the two groups together, and to the efforts of the Co-op’s other board members, management and staff.
Brian Senchuk, who is the co-chair of the Summer Games committee, said they have been working with the Co-op in other ways.
“Games merchandise has been on sale in their grocery and convenience stores, and they have hosted fundraising barbeques in our name,” said Senchuk. “We will continue with various activities such as these in the months to come.”
In addition to providing financial support, the Southern Plains Co-op sponsorship outlines logistical and manpower support as well. The co-operative will provide the usage of ovens for food preparation and refrigeration of food products, as well as supply of experienced manpower assistance to feed the 1,800 athletes and more than 200 coaches, managers, and mission staff over the course of the Games, which will run from July 24 to 30.
