The Town of Coaldale is set to host the 2024 Southern Alberta Summer Games. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Coaldale to host 2024 Southern Alberta Summer Games

Sep 22, 2023 | 8:45 AM

COALDALE, AB – The host community for next year’s Southern Alberta Summer Games (SASG) has been chosen.

Coaldale will host the event, set to take place from July 3-6, 2024, and will feature both individual and team sporting events in and around the town.

Officials with the SASG expect nearly 2,000 athletes and coaches to participate in the following sports:

• 5/10KM Run
• 3 on 3 Basketball
• Athletics (Track & Field)
• Cribbage
• Ball Hockey
• Mini Soccer
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Badminton
• Photography
• Swimming
• Beach Volleyball
• Equestrian
• Waterskiing/Water Sports
• Lacrosse
• Pickleball
• Flag Football
• Mountain Biking
• Archery

Town of Coaldale Director of Community Services Russ Tanner said the new multi-use recreation centre is expected to open by this coming spring, and he is excited for it to be a showcase facility at the Games.

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Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 and 2021 iterations of the SASG were cancelled and the 2022 event was held in a limited capacity. This means that Coaldale will host the first SASG with full programming since the pre-pandemic era.

“On top of that, we’re proud to be the first community to host the Games since the Town of Pincher Creek in 2019,” said Tanner. “The Southern Alberta Summer Games began over 50 years ago and the Town of Coaldale is ready to bring them back to life after a 4-year hiatus. I can’t wait to welcome all of the coaches, athletes, and fans who come to participate.”

Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn said supporting major recreational events was a key part of council’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, as such events can help to attract visitors, enhance community pride, and provide fuel to the local economy.

“When we were presented with the opportunity to host the Southern Alberta Summers Games – and right on the heels of opening a brand-new recreation centre – we jumped on it,” said Van Rijn. “This is exactly the kind of sporting event that our new rec centre was designed to facilitate and that our community can rally around. It’s going to be an amazing experience for everyone involved.”

The Town of Coaldale is looking for people to volunteer in a variety of roles at the 2024 SASG. Anyone who is interested can send an email to clayton.varjassy@coaldale.ca or phone 403-345-1328.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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