Tag: Recreation

CMHA North Battleford members curling, bowling their way to better mental health 

Have you ever gone for a walk to clear your head? That age-old activity is rooted in a basic concept that scientific research has more recently come to support – simply put, that there is a direct link between one’s physical and mental health. 

As a result, many mental health organizations include a variety of recreational activities among their support programs. That includes the North Battleford branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. 

“We all know our overall well-being impacts various degrees of things, so we want to make sure we’re physically active, which keeps our mind healthy and keeps us physically fit. And there’s also a social piece of it; connecting with other people, learning social skills, reducing isolation,” CMHA North Battleford executive director Michele Winterholt explained. 

“And just for our spirit, doing fun things and having greatfulness for the ability to do so.” 

The North Battleford branch supports nearly 130 members. Roughly half of those, many of whom live with lifelong mental illness or mental health challenges or are in addictions recovery, regularly take part in its recreation and social wellness programs.  

However, certain activities can be difficult for individuals to access due to cost or accessibility issues. As part of the effort to eliminate those barriers, funding support from Sask Lotteries has allowed the branch to provide its clients with more opportunities to take part in two fun, social sports: curling and bowling.  

“We had bowling and curling in our activities a few years ago and just due to costs, we had limited them. Now we’re able to bring these programs back to life for our participants,” Winterholt said. 

Instead of one curling outing per month, it’s now a weekly activity. Bowling excursions, which had been relatively infrequent, are now a once- or twice-monthly occurrence. 

Additionally, where clients had previously needed to cover a portion of their own costs, those fees are now fully covered. The increased frequency and cost reduction, in turn, means more people can take part. 

There’s an additional domino effect of the funding support in that it frees up additional CMHA resource streams to bolster other recreation and wellness programs such as educational lunches or community excursions in the Battlefords area. 

“These types of programs sometimes aren’t possible without the support and funding of others, so we’re thankful and grateful to those that do support our programming because it’s all about serving our members and keeping them well and encouraging them on their journey,” Winterholt said. 

And every curling rock or bowling ball thrown has the potential to be another step on that path. 

National Volunteer Week April 27 – May 3

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Saskatchewan’s sport, culture and recreation system is nourished by the province’s 330,000 volunteers and from Apr. 27 – May 3, the dedication of volunteers will be celebrated across the country under the theme of ‘Volunteers Make Waves.”

It is because of volunteers’ commitment that Sask Lotteries’ funding can make a difference in volunteer-led sport, culture and recreation programs.

Sask Lotteries knows that every second a volunteer gives to the community, an innumerable number of individuals feel the impact. As part of the celebration, Sask Lotteries, along with Sask Sport is saying thank you to the volunteers in Saskatchewan, who help make the more than 12,000 lottery-funded sport, culture and recreation activities possible.

When thanking volunteers on social media, organizations are encouraged to use the hashtags: #VolunteersMakeWaves, #NVW2025

For more information on the week and access to National Volunteer Week assets, check out Sask Sport.

Regional Parks Are Uniquely Saskatchewan

As the days grow longer and the sun feels warmer, our thoughts inevitably turn to summer adventures. Whether you’ve carefully planned every weekend camping trip or prefer to let the prairie wind guide you, you can find a regional park to match your adventure style.

The regional park system is unique to Saskatchewan. There are nearly 100 of them throughout the province. They come in all shapes and sizes and offer one-of-a-kind experiences, from scenic hikes and adrenaline-fueled watersports to secluded camping spots and world-class golf courses. Many park amenities include camping, swimming, fishing, sports grounds, golf courses and more. 

What’s truly remarkable is that these parks were developed and are run by passionate volunteers, showcasing a genuine labour of love that supports local communities and conserves natural habitat. What a beautiful system!

An exceptional mission

The regional park system is represented by the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association (SRPA), which is funded through Sask Lotteries. With a mission to provide exceptional and accessible recreation opportunities while preserving the natural environment, SRPA provides support to the regional park network through an accreditation program, advocacy, education opportunities, and marketing.

“Sask Lotteries funding allows us to continue supporting Saskatchewan’s vast regional parks network so they can offer exceptional experiences for locals and visitors,” said Katrina Irving, SRPA Executive Director. “It helps us offer the innovative education programs and marketing initiatives that build park capacity.”

Reducing barriers to the outdoors

To provide more affordable opportunities to access regional parks, SRPA partnered with the Saskatchewan Library Association and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association to offer the Regional Park Pass Lending Program in 2022, 2023 and now 2024. The program makes regional park passes available for seven-day loan periods to residents with a Saskatchewan library card through participating libraries. It aims to reduce barriers to participation and inspire people to connect with nature. 

“Thanks to lotteries funding, we can participate in partnership programs like the Regional Park Pass Lending Program,” said Irving. “Which means more people get to experience Saskatchewan’s regional parks regardless of financial constraints, and that’s so important to us and our parks.”

For more information, please visit https://saskregionalparks.ca/.

The importance of Big Brothers Big Sisters 

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For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert has been changing the lives of local youth through the dedication of Saskatchewan volunteers.  

The organization nourishes youth participants through developmental relationships with volunteer mentors. Children apart of the program are provided the space to try new hobbies and develop skills that can help them positively contribute to their community.  

“[Volunteers] are making the future brighter for everyone. They are helping a young person but also strengthening our community, because the youth are our future.”  

Natasha Thomson, the Development Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert

As a recipient of the Sask Lotteries Community Grant Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert funds activities for youth to explore with their mentors and offers opportunities that may not be accessible otherwise. 

“Sask Lotteries Community Grant funding is used to aid in our BIG Fun Program. It allows us to remove barriers for vulnerable children and their families, so they can access healthy, cultural and recreational activities. This is available to all our matches, as well as the families on our waiting list,” said Natasha Thomson, the Development Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert. 

By supporting volunteer-led organizations, the wellbeing of local communities can continue to thrive and expand. The grant prioritizes communities having access to impactful and innovative sport, culture and recreation programs, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters.  

“Each time an individual signs up for our program. It changes two lives. The volunteer’s life and the child’s life. We see positive outcomes for both involved.”  

People who volunteer become more than a mentor within the program and take on the role of being a ‘big brother’ or ‘big sister’ figure to the participants. Every relationship built through the program is unique to the match. 

“In recent years we have done a lot of research to come to a greater understanding of why our program works so well. We know that developmental relationships are something that young people need. We have a really focused on helping our volunteers build developmental relationships that help youth thrive.”   

Prioritizing the success rate of compatible matches between youth and their mentor, means connecting youth with a volunteer who shares similar interests. Following the initial match, mentors are trained to support their youth and aid them in cultivating new skills that will empower them moving forwards.  

The benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters is felt beyond the reach of the children and their mentors, expanding into the community, child’s family as well as the internal structure of the organization.  

“Working here as taught me that relationships are the most important thing in our lives. Big Brothers Big Sisters is important because we teach young people and their volunteers how to have a healthy relationship and help them through the steps of building that together,” explained Thomson. 

The relationships built through Big Brothers and Big Sister interactions are felt in every level of the program. Volunteers and the youth participants are the heart of the organization. 

“[Volunteers] are making the future brighter for everyone. They are helping a young person but also strengthening our community, because the youth are our future.”  

To learn more about the Community Grant Program, visit our Trust Funds & Grants page

Charlie Biemans dedicates himself to his community

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This volunteer recognition story and photo is courtesy of the Prairie Central District for Sport, Culture and Recreation 

Volunteers have the ability to adapt to the particular needs of an organization and situation. Charlie Biemans stands as an example of the diverse skills exhibited by Saskatchewan volunteers. 

For 43 years, Biemans has dedicated himself Englefeld’s community through numerous roles at the local school.  

In his free time, he has followed his passion for sport and coached youth in baseball, softball, volleyball, track, badminton, soccer, hockey and curling.  

Biemans continues to take the lead role in making the curling and skating ice for winter activities in the local arena. He manages the rink schedules, ice rentals, opening and closing, cleaning and maintenance, and ensuring the kitchen is fully stocked with supplies. 

He has an ability to create community, as Biemans has planned evenings at the local rink that feature burgers and free skating. 

Over the years, Charlie has spent time on the Englefeld Rec Board, village council and has supported the installation of new playground equipment at the park as well as renovations to the arena. 

“Englefeld is a better place because of the countless hours of volunteer time Charlie dedicates to the community. He is the driving force behind the Rec Board,” said fellow community member, Deanna Miskolczi. “As soon as one community event is over, Charlie is already talking about the next one!” 

In December 2023, Charlie was recognized with a Volunteer Recognition Award from the Prairie Central District for Sport, Culture and Recreation. Congratulations, Charlie! 

National Volunteer Week April 14-20

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Saskatchewan’s 330,000 volunteers are a vital part of the foundation that makes up Saskatchewan’s sport, culture and recreation system. From April 14-20, celebrated under the theme of “Every Moment Matters,” volunteers will be recognized nationwide for their contributions. For 50 years, Sask Lotteries has funded volunteer led sport, culture and recreation programs in the province and it is through the contribution of volunteers that we can make a difference.

Sask Lotteries knows that every second a volunteer gives to the community, an innumerable number of individuals feel the impact. As part of the celebration, Sask Lotteries, along with Sask Sport is saying thank you to the volunteers in Saskatchewan, who help make the 12,000 lottery-funded sport, culture and recreation activities possible.

When thanking volunteers on social media, organizations are encouraged to use the hashtags: #NVW2024, #EveryMomentMatters.

For more information on the week and access to National Volunteer Week assets, check out SaskSport.ca

Q & A with Special Olympics Lloydminster 

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Special Olympics Lloydminster, a Sask Lotteries funded organization, prioritizes the accessibility of sport in their local community. They have subsidized fees and will cover costs for athletes and their families who otherwise could not participate. The organization offers diverse programs, which allows every individual the opportunity to enjoy sport at their desired level. 

Marianne Witzaney, Volunteer Coordinator with Special Olympics Lloydminster, spoke with Sask Lotteries to provide more insight about Special Olympics Lloydminster through a Q & A.  

What opportunities are offered by your organization?  

Our organization offers Bowling and a Fitness/Walking Track Program. We are the only sport and fitness organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in. We have 85 registered athletes.  Not all our athletes can bowl so we started a Fitness/Walking track program.  

We have 60 enrolled in our bowling program and 25 in the Fitness/Walking track program.  

Our bowlers are invited to join us on the track every Thursday evening, with an average of 35 athletes per week participating in the Fitness/Walking track program. Both programs provide physical and social opportunities that are essential for the well-being and mental health of our participants. 

How has Sask Lotteries funding impacted Special Olympics Lloydminster? 

All our participants live on a fixed income, and many do not have family to help them out. Funding from Sask Lotteries subsidizes over half of their bowling fees and fitness/walking track fees. As a result, Special Olympics Lloydminster has been able to be all inclusive and provide a strong program. 

How have you seen participants benefit from Sask Lotteries funding?  

Because of Sask Lotteries funding we have been able to provide a strong bowling and fitness/walking track program and have been able to make it all inclusive. We still do have some individuals that cannot afford to pay any fees and through our own fundraising we can help these individuals out.   

With Sask Lotteries funding we are able to make the programs more competitive by providing small prizes and incentives for the athletes. 

Can you share a memory from your time with Special Olympics Lloydminster? 

In our Fitness/Walking track program, we have participants that walk, run & others who participate in wheelchairs. Every week we track the number of laps the participants do and encourage them to do more. One of our athletes is 80 years old and had a serious injury a few years ago and now requires a walker for support.   

She says she needs to walk 10 laps every week so she can get a ribbon again this year.  She is an inspiration to all of us. 

Sask Lotteries celebrates 50 years of support sport, culture and recreation

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Sask Lotteries is celebrating 50 years as the main fundraiser for more than 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups in communities across Saskatchewan.

Since 1974, lottery sales in Saskatchewan have been used to provide more than $1.4 billion to support athletes from the grassroots level to the international stage, connect youth to artistic experiences, help residents experience the beauty of the parks that cover the province and much more.  

The funding is made possible thanks to a long-standing agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan to direct proceeds from the sale of lottery products to sport, culture and recreation organizations.

“Sask Lotteries funding has touched every community across Saskatchewan during the last 50 years,” said Bill Kinash, Chair, Sask Sport and Sask Lotteries volunteer-led Board of Directors. “Almost everyone I speak to has seen their lives positively impacted by this fundraiser. We cannot wait to see what the next 50 years will bring.”

Throughout 2024, Sask Lotteries will celebrate its rich history in the province and share the stories of the beneficiaries of this fundraiser on its website and social media through winning numbers. Some of these winning numbers include celebrating the 196 Saskatchewan athletes who have attended the Olympic and Paralympic Games since 1976, multiple opportunities for cultural activities create over 1.6 million participants annually and the over 430 regional and community park spaces across the province. The 1,000 retailers across the province will also be celebrated for their part in the lottery sales that help generate the distributed funds.

Sask Lotteries has a humble beginning.  

To help fundraise against the rising costs of amateur sport, Sask Sport, a volunteer-led organization, wanted to run a lottery. To be granted the lottery licence by the Government of Saskatchewan, founding volunteers Cas Pielak and Joe Kanuka agreed to sign a promissory note to help start a lottery fundraising program. The first lottery in Saskatchewan was a success and eventually led to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation being established.  In 1974, it was determined that the funds would be placed into the Sask Lotteries Trust Fund and would be distributed to sport, culture and recreation groups as designated by the Government of Saskatchewan.

This arrangement remains, 50 years later.

Saskatchewan Multicultural Week

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The Government of Saskatchewan, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS), and many municipalities celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural Week from November 18-26 as an opportunity to recognize our diversity, the benefits of multiculturalism, and demonstrate the five streams of multicultural work that are at the basis of our ongoing efforts at creating communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is able to fully contribute.

This year’s theme – “Celebrate Community, Honour Diversity, Act for Equity” encourages us to share and celebrate stories of community, diversity and equity that enrich Saskatchewan communities.

The Saskatchewan Multiculturalism Act, recognizes the rights of every community to retain its identity, language and traditional arts and sciences for the mutual benefit of all citizens. MCoS further promotes the need to address racism and injustice, and to celebrate our diversity as collective strength in building welcoming and inclusive communities.

Learn more about the week’s activities on spra.sk.ca.

Community Rink Affordability Grant Program

Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross on behalf of Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross joined officials from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) and community members in Prince Albert to celebrate the opening of the Community Rink Affordability Grant Program. The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $1.6 million in 2023-24 for the program which provides funding for community-owned indoor skating and curling rinks.

“The Community Rink Affordability Grant program plays an important role in building healthy communities and protecting our local infrastructure,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “These rinks are a focal point for many communities and offer a wide variety of programming year-round. This grant helps with costs associated with running locally owned rinks, and ensures they remain operational in our communities for years
to come.”

In 2022-23, a total of the 581 ice surfaces received funding, including 376 skating rinks and 205 curling rinks. A $2,500 grant is available for each ice surface, per year for municipally owned facilities, schools, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations.

“The Community Rink Affordability Grant helps build communities across the province with support from volunteers at every level,” Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross said. “These spaces are well used by families, youth and seniors, with programming that protects the great quality of life we enjoy in our province.”

The SPRA administers and delivers the program on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan.

“We are grateful to the government for their continued support of Saskatchewan’s recreation infrastructure, recognizing its pivotal role in enhancing quality of life in the province,” SPRA President Jody Boulet said. “As communities face increased costs due to inflation, including those related to maintaining vital gathering spaces like rinks, the Community Recreation Affordability Grant Program is a welcome contribution.”

To learn more and register for the Community Rink Affordability Grant program, please complete the online form found on the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association’s website at https://www.spra.sk.ca/funding/our-grants/.

Applications can be submitted until January 15, 2024.