Claresholm awarded 2021 Southern Alberta Summer Games

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer

Let the games begin – in 2021.

The Town of Claresholm has been awarded the 2021 Southern Alberta Summer Games.

“It’s a wonderful thing,” said Mayor Doug MacPherson. “It’s a great thing for the town.”

Town officials were notified of the decision by the Southern Alberta Recreation Association on June 18, a few hours after SARA officials toured facilities in Claresholm.

MacPherson was part of that tour and was struck by their comments about the condition of Claresholm’s venues for the games.

“We really stood out,” MacPherson said. “Our venues are first rate.”

He also pointed out the economic spinoffs the games will bring to town.

“It will be good for the hotels and restaurants,” the mayor said, adding the games will also bring new blood to town. “People can see what Claresholm is all about.”

Denise Spencer, the town’s recreation manager, led the tour of facilities.

“I am very pleased,” she said about Claresholm being awarded the games.

Four representatives from the Southern Alberta Recreation Association came to town where they were shown the facilities by Spencer, MacPherson, Mike Schuweiler, the town’s director of infrastructure services; and Marni Lane, of the Claresholm summer games committee.

They also used a bus from the Claresholm and District Transportation Society.

“They were really impressed with the condition of our facilities,” Spencer said of the SARA officials.

The group toured the trap-shooting range west of town; the Claresholm Aquatic Centre; and drove by the Bridges at Claresholm Golf Club.

They moved onto the indoor gun range, which is located on the north end of the Claresholm Community Centre, and the Millennium Park ball diamonds.

The group had lunch at the Claresholm Drop-in Centre, which in the past was the site for photography and quilting, and may be again. Lawn bowling and shuffleboard are other possibilities as well.

They also toured the Agriplex.

Spencer said SARA was really impressed with the Agriplex back in 2015 when Claresholm last hosted the games. Since then, another indoor riding arena has been added.

The fields at Willow Creek Composite High and West Meadow Elementary Schools were checked out, as they were the site for soccer and track and field.

“One of the highlights and they were really impressed with the stormwater ponds,” Spencer said.

That area, along with Kin Trail, may be used for long-distance running events.

“They were (also) impressed with the arena,” Spencer said, which has undergone several upgrades since 2015.

Overall, she was happy Claresholm has been awarded the 2021 Southern Alberta Summer Games.

“It gives us an opportunity to do future planning and be prepared for 2021,” she said.