Looking forward and looking back: Diane Burt-Stuckey talks about the Southern Alberta Summer Games

Diane Burt-Stuckey speaks to Pincher Creek Rotary Club

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Town of Pincher Creek Parks and Recreation Director Diane Burt-Stuckey was the featured speaker at Pincher Creek Rotary Club's luncheon on Thursday, May 1.  Her topic was the upcoming Southern Alberta Summer Games (SASG), which will be held in Pincher Creek from July 2-5 this year.

Burt-Stuckey most certainly qualifies as a SASG veteran, having attended 37 Games,  and in her presentation she added her insight from her past experiences to the salient facts about the upcoming games.

"In 1970, Pincher Creek hosted the first Southern Alberta Southern Games," she told the Rotarians.   She said that event featured 1,200 competitors ranging from 6 to 80 years old.

According to Burt-Stuckey, Max Gibb was one of the earliest organizers of the Games, and was concerned early on during the very first day of the first games. "He spoke about the games. He said 'I remember the first morning of the games, and thinking, is anyone going to come? Is anyone going to come? Pretty soon school buses came rolling over the hills and they really did come!' It was the beginning of a long legacy of games."

The Max Gibb Award is now an annual high point of the SASG. "In recognition of Max Gibb who contributed the initiation of the games," it is awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of the SASG. Local winners include Jeff Hardy, Archie Wilson, Kelly Tatenger, Alice Cook, Laurie Watson, Diane Burt-Stuckey, Bob Toney, Susan Vogalaar, Roley Cote, Meredith Dickey, Faith Zachar, Roger McAdam, and Brian Wright,

"The main objective of the games, even way back then in 1970, is to provide an opportunity for the greatest number of people possible to participate in an enjoyable, grass-roots festival. It was also meant to be a showcase for identifying young athletes that have desire and potential for higher level training and competition," Burt-Stuckey explained.

"My first games, I was a summer student, it was 1976 in Cardston. I counted up, and I've attended 37 games over the years in very many communities. It has been a fun adventure. It's always new, and always exciting. Every community has their own flavour of how they portray the games, and some of the sports have changed over the years as well."

"Back in 76, kids still pretty much were bused in, and they stayed overnight in the gymnasium. They don't do that anymore, but that was interesting. It was my job as the Regional Director and local organizer to be a supervisor in the gymnasium."

"The largest attendance that we know of was in Claresholm in 1980. There were 4,700 athletes. That was kind of crazy." Burt-Stuckey said the attendance fluctuates every year.

The SASG covers 13 regions, each with a regional director or organizer. 16 communities have hosted the game. "We have hosted it 4 times," explained Burt-Stuckey, including 1970, 1985, 2004, and the upcoming 2014 edition.

SASG mascot Gusty the Gopher has been with the games since 1976. "He got a girlfriend, and her name is Breezy."