Weyburn was awarded the 2000 Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association 55 Plus Provincial Games, the second major sports announcement for the city in 10 days.

The deal was made official on Monday, when city councillors Ray Hamm, Bill Rudachyk and Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association representative Margaret Geiling signed the first of three contracts. The multi-sport games will run from July 16 to 19, 2000 at various venues across Weyburn.

"The games are good for the citizens of Weyburn," said games co-chair Bill Rudachyk. "We have a very active seniors population here. Seniors make up about 25 per cent of the total population of Weyburn. The games will be a great event for them and the city."

About 1,000 athletes are expected to attend the games to compete in 20 sports. While many of the facilities required to host the athletes are already in place, one venue to be constructed will leave a mark on the city.

"We hope to leave a legacy and have a lawn bowling facility built for seniors to use for years to come," said Rudachyk.

While the budgets have not yet been set, it is anticipated the games will cost the host committee $100,000. The city will provide services-in-kind and will pick up any losses the games produce.

"We do not anticipate any losses for the city to cover," said Rudachyk, emphasizing the games normally pay for themselves.

Revenue for the games will be generated equally from registration fees, the games council through a Saskatchewan Lotteries grant and community fund-raising efforts.

Hamm said if these games go smoothly, Weyburn may try to land the Saskatchewan Provincial Games.

About 2,000 people are expected to visit Weyburn for the games.

"The major benefactor of these games will be the hospitality industry," said Rudachyk.

The games will require 200 volunteers to keep the events and venues running smoothly. The organizers are not expecting to have problems finding volunteers despite other major sporting events coming to the city in close proximity to each other.

"We have never had a problem finding volunteers before," said Rudachyk.

"There is co-operation among many groups in Weyburn," said Hamm.

Hamm also introduced the volunteer committee chairs, who will help plan all aspects of the games. They are, co-chairs Ray Hamm and Bill Rudachyk, secretary Lucy Owens, finance committee chair Stan Runne, special events committee chair Linda Porth, events committee chair John Tumback, friends of the games committee chair Don Byrnes, promotions committee chair Darryl Ward, ceremonies committee chair Marlene Nedelcov, services committee chair Murray Hoium, communications committee chair Bob King, and human resources committee chair Lynn Johnston. Two government representatives will also sit on the organizing committee. Fred Lowenburger of the government department responsible for sport, culture and recreation and Margaret Geiling of the Saskatchewan Seniors Fitness Association will assist the organizing efforts.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering for the games should contact one of the games' committee chairs.