"We Did It!" - Games Committee Surpasses Fundraising Goal

After three long years of fundraising efforts, the organizing committee for the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games was more than ecstatic to make a much-anticipated announcement on Friday morning.

"WE DID IT!"

Friends of the Games Committee Co-Chair Bernie Bjorndalen excitedly stated the news in front of the Summer Games Legacy Wall at Affinity Place with dozens of volunteers, board members, and dignitaries there to share in the moment.

"We have reached our fundraising goal to ensure the success of the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan," exclaimed Bjorndalen. The $2.9 million fundraising goal set by the games committee was exceeded by approximately $500,000.

"I'll be the first to admit that when we set our budget, I wasn't sure if we would be able to make this statement," added Bjorndalen. "The numbers seemed large and the days seemed too short in number."

"But the true grit that the volunteers in Estevan are famous for became evident as we worked to achieve our dream of hosting the best event that we possibly could."

Kelly McConnell, Bjorndalen's teammate with the Friends of the Games committee, was unable to attend the announcement. However, many other board members and volunteers were on hand including Games committee Co-Chair's Brian Smith and Brian Senchuk.

"The day we put our proposal to host the games, we committed that we would not fail. And we won't," stated Senchuk.

The change in the local economy over the past two years certainly added a significant hurdle for the games committee to overcome.

"Initially we estimated that we would have $3.2 million dollars in revenues, but with the changes in the economy we needed to ensure that we had extra room in our budget," added Senchuk.

"Today, we have a total of $3.4 million committed in cash and work in-kind donations."

At this time, the games committee estimates expenses to come in around the $3.34 million mark.

With the Summer Games beginning on July 24th, the city is already buzzing with excitement for what's to come. This latest announcement has only caused city leaders like Mayor Roy Ludwig to get even more caught up in the moment.

"This is a fantastic milestone we've reached. With the depth that we have in Estevan, we're very proud of everyone that came on to be a part of the committee and make this possible," emphasized Mayor Ludwig.

"Looking around this room, I could single out each and every person here that did so much to make this a success."

The 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan begin with the Torch Relay and Opening Ceremonies on Sunday, July 24th.