August 6 – 20, 2005

Summary

Like the first Canada Games in 1967, the 2005 Regina Canada Summer Games also marked a centennial celebration: this time Saskatchewan’s. Hosted by a brother and sister duo of playful white-tailed deer mascots named Tansi (Cree for “Hi! How are you?”) and Ravi (French for “delighted!”), the games had many firsts including the Woman’s wrestling competition, diversity ambassadors, and athletes competing in two different sports. A total of sixteen sports were on the program, which boasted 4, 500 athletes, coaches, managers, and officials, who represented each of the ten provinces and three territories ensuring that the 2005 Canada Summer Games was truly a National affair.

Economic Impact

The event generated a total estimated economic activity of $101 million in Saskatchewan, including $85.2 million in the City of Regina. These totals resulted from $59.8 million in combined operations, capital and visitors spending. The event contributed over $41.0 million to the provincial GDP, including $32.3 million in Regina. Just over $19.5 million in wages and salaries were paid in Regina, with an additional $3.7 million paid throughout the rest of the province. Overall, approximately 955 jobs were supported by hosting the Games, including 793 in Regina and a further 162 in the rest of the province. "The 2005 Canada Summer Games were a catalyst to creating a significant increase in economic activity for the City of Regina and surrounding area,” said John Lee, Chief Operating Officer of the Games. “While the economic benefits of the actual hosting of the event itself were significant, the spin off capital economic impact was also impressive."

Participation

Male athletes: 1951

Female athletes: 1604

Total athletes: 3555

Total coaches/managers: 857

Highlights

Ray Betuzzi, a 17 year old swimmer from Alberta, set a handful of Canada Games records by becoming the first athlete to receive 7 gold medals in a single Games, as well as becoming the first athlete to receive 9 medals in a games. He also set the record for 50m butterfly as well as contributing to a team record in the 4X200m freestyle relay. Team Yukon had reason to celebrate as Daniel Sessford earned the bronze in the men’s mountain biking event, it was the Yukon’s second Summer games medal ever. Similarly, Jared Connaughton scored a pair of victories for PEI in the 100m and the 200m sprints, earning the smallest province two big gold medals.

Legacy :

Infrastructure

• Centre for Kinesiology at the University of Regina
• Credit Union Eventplex at Regina Exhibition Park
• 100% of sport venues received capital improvements

Investment in Youth

• The Dreams and Champions Legacy Program will benefit from the financial surplus and combine it with commitments from other community organizations to create a wide range of programs to foster excellence in youth.
• Donations of more than $600, 000 worth of sporting equipment to more than 100 sport and community organizations in Regina and surrounding areas

Regional Pride and Spirit

• Improved regional bonding and cooperation among the municipalities
• Improved self-esteem and bonding within each hosting community

Volunteers

More than 6 000 volunteers now in place to host regional, national, and international competitions.

Did you know?

• The one-of-a-kind medal awarded at the 2005 Canada Summer Games incorporates the Canada Games’ logo, Saskatchewan’s tiger lily, and Canada’s maple leaf. Darlene Brunskill, Vice President of Ceremonies and Protocol, aptly described it when she said “the design both captures the magic of the games as well as the spirit of Saskatchewan.”
• Described as both “youthful” and “energetic,” the logo for the 2005 Canada Summer Games is comprised of a yellow crown, a red banner that symbolizes Canada, a green strip that represents the land events, and a blue piece that denotes the water events. Featuring the traditional symbols of both the maple leaf and the Crown, it evokes the dual images of a torch as well as an athlete crossing the finish line.
• "No Limits" was the theme for the 2005 Summer Games.