Town of Coaldale releases official list of competitive events for upcoming SASG

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

The official list of competitive events has been confirmed by the Town of Coaldale for the upcoming 2024 Southern Alberta Summer Games (SASG). The 2023 SASG will be held in Coaldale from July 3-6, and will include 20 competitive events, in addition to plenty of community events and family-friendly activities.

Kicking off the games, opening ceremonies will be held at the newly-completed recreation centre in Coaldale on Wednesday July 3.

The Town of Coaldale’s Community Experience Manager, Clayton Varjassy said organizers are planning to hold a barbecue during the opening ceremonies on July 3, along with some live music, and said organizers are also hoping to have a market with artisans and vendors taking place during this time, as well as a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the much anticipated recreation centre. 

There are also plans for members of the National walking soccer team, including Coaldale Councillor, Bill Chapman, to host a walking soccer demonstration on opening evening.

A full day of sporting events will kick off on Thursday, July 4, with plans to host a pro-athlete panel that evening. Varjassy said, “we’re looking for panel members,” for this and added, “we do have some decent prospects so far,” and put out a call to action for high-level athletes with Lethbridge County or Coaldale roots to get in touch with Games organizers at the Town. 

With beach volleyball scheduled to take place at Stafford Lake in Lethbridge County, Friday July 5 is set to be a day of fun and sun. 

“Friday is supposed to be a big kind of party evening out at Stafford Lake. So they’re hosting volleyball out there,” said Varjassy adding organizers are, “working on lining up a decent size artist.” 

With the care-free summer vibes continuing into Saturday, the final day of the games will reflect an upbeat atmosphere with a DJ and other live music acts bringing the party to the Owl’s Nest campground for the Mountain Biking event, with other events take place throughout town on July 6  as well. 

On March 28, the Town of Coaldale announced the finalized list of sports included in the 2024 SASG programming. Official competitive events are as follows: 3km, 5km, and 10km runs, equestrian, pickleball, badminton, flag football, soccer, baseball, golf, softball, three on three basketball, lacrosse, swimming, beach volleyball, mini soccer, track & field, cribbage, photography, mountain biking, and weight lifting. 

The Town also announced the registrations for the games will open on May 3, on the official SASG website https://www.southernalbertasummergames.ca/, and remain open until May 31.

Initial event sponsors include Dennis Dirtworx, and Porter Tanner Associates Incorporated. Additionally, as reported in the 2024 budget, the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce has committed $4,000 to support the games. As well a portion of the proceeds from the 13th annual Coaldale Family Fun Run will be used for event expenses. Those interested in becoming an official sponsor are encouraged to reach out to the Southern Alberta Summer Games Coordinator for the Town of Coaldale, Mark McIntosh at mark.mcintosh@coaldale.ca or 403-345-1324. 

The 2024 SASG will mark the third time the Town of Coaldale has hosted the SASG. Coaldale previously hosted the 1984 and 1997 Southern Alberta Summer Games. In 1994, the Town of Picture Butte hosted the SASG. 

In a March 28 Town of Coaldale release, Varjassy said, “As a community, we’re honoured to have been chosen to bring the Games back to life after a 4-year long hiatus and want to make sure they go off with a bang.”

Varjassy added a number of other family-friendly activities are currently in the works, beyond the sporting events, including  barbecues, concerts, and DJ celebrations

“We want the Games to be a party for the entire community!”

Up to date information on the games can be found on the official SASG website 

http://southernAlbertaSummerGames.ca or on the SASG Facebook page “Southern Alberta Summer Games,” where updates, FAQ, and fun clips featuring the game’s official gopher mascots, Breezy and Gusty are posted regularly.  

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