Supporting Sport History and Community Engagement

Matthew Gourlie, Communications Coordinator, Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame
Jan 22, 2025

With ongoing public programs, community outreach, and exciting events, the SSHF is working hard to raise awareness about the importance of sport in our province's cultural fabric.

"We know that winter is a time when people are looking for accessible and affordable activities for the family, so we are pleased to be offering programming both through the schools and directly to the public to share the story of sport throughout Saskatchewan," says SSHF Executive Director Erin Stankewich.

One of those programs is Never Give Up presented by SaskTel. This virtual classroom presentation shares the inspiring stories of Hall of Fame inductees, many of whom have overcome significant challenges to achieve greatness in their athletic careers. This winter the Never Give Up program reached 986 students across eight Saskatchewan communities including Wadena, Wilcox, Grand Coulee, White City, Weyburn, Estevan, Moose Jaw, and Saskatoon.

"Our Never Give Up program allows us to reach towns and communities in Saskatchewan that cannot always visit our museum in Regina. It is a great way to share our inductees' incredible stories province-wide," says Stankewich.

In total, the Never Give Up program has reached 7,583 students and teachers from 58 different Saskatchewan communities over the past four years.

In February, the Hall will be offering special programming and opportunities for families and children, including free copies of the book Lucy's Fancy Leg, written by Paralympic athlete Lisa DeJong.

Originally from Biggar, SK, Lisa's book brings awareness to and celebrates disability in a light-hearted but informative way. Lisa will be meeting selected classes at the Hall of Fame in January. On February 1 she will be at the Regina Public Library's downtown branch for a book reading followed by a chance to see and try Paralympic sport equipment in Victoria Park during the Frost winter festival.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Canadian Sport Centre Saskatchewan to bring Lisa into the Hall to share her story and be part of an exciting winter festival in Regina. Her story, complemented by opportunities to try different Paralympic sport, is the type of unique and valuable programming that we strive to offer as part of our organization's mandate," says Stankewich.

Later in February, the Hall of Fame's School's Out program for families will run from February 18-21, offering two-hour sessions of indoor and outdoor games. Registration for this free program is available on the SSHF website.

All of the Hall's programming is made possible through donations and annual memberships, which start at $35 for individuals.

"As a charitable, not-for-profit we could not offer the program and services we do without the support of the community," says Stankewich. "Small investments make a big impact, and we are incredibly grateful that we continue to see the province believe in the work we do."

Another way to support SSHF efforts is an upcoming Online Art Auction, run in partnership with the Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting, which will take place from January 30 to February 22.

"There will be many sport-themed, and non-sport related art available, all at different price points, allowing opportunities to support the Hall and own a unique piece of art," says Stankewich.

The auction will feature over 100 works of art by Saskatchewan, Canadian, and international artists, along with sports memorabilia. All funds raised will support the Hall's educational programs and outreach initiatives.

The Hall is open to the public Monday - Saturday, welcoming visitors to explore its exhibits, including the current All in the Family display, which celebrates Saskatchewan's great sporting families, and the Dedication to Sport exhibit, which honors the newest inductees, including cowboy Carl Olson and chuckwagon racer Ray Mitsuing.

"We are a true hidden gem in downtown Regina, with plenty of stories and history to explore," says Stankewich. "We are pleased to be a part of the province and are always thrilled to welcome those interested in learning more about our rich sport heritage."

For more information on memberships and upcoming events, visit the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame website at sasksportshalloffame.com.