A colourful opening for the 2014 Southern Alberta Summer Games

Toni Lucas - There was great excitement as the opening ceremonies for the 45 Annual Southern Alberta Summer Games was held at the agriculture grounds in Pincher Creek.  There was free food, activities for kids, live entertainment, and a distinguished list of guest speakers.  The highlight of the event was the Parade of Athletes from 13 regions.  Each region had team colors, banners and distinctive t-shirts, creating a glorious visual display as they paraded in.  The evening was an opportunity to see all the athletes involved and for everyone to mix and mingle.

A peaceful easy vibe was generated by Nicki and Adam Schoening

Adam and Nicki Schoening provided the opening musical entertainment.  Alexandra Morgan led the crowd in singing 'O Canada' and also sang two other songs, and there was trick riding for entertainment. Parent Link set up a play area to entertain youngsters and mascots Gusty and Breezy visited with many kids there.

Pincher Creek chanteuse Alexandra Morgan

The Parade of Athletes was lead by members of the Pincher Creek Silver Reins Club, and each of the 13 regions represented at the games proudly carried in their banner, many of them dressed in t-shirts that also represented their regions.  The athletes walked past the podium and had the chance to meet the dignitaries in attendance. A huge contingent of Pincher Creek athletes in distinctive orange t-shirts were the last athletes in the parade, accompanied by SASG mascots Gusty and Breezy.

Emcee Darrell Ferguson kept the program running smoothly, introducing the many guest speakers and the entertainers. Games Chair Brian Wright thanked the game sponsors and partners, the many volunteers and the athletes. Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg gave greetings and wished the best to all the participants.  Municipal District of Pincher Creek Reeve Brian Hammond, Government of Alberta Associate Minister of Public Safety Rick Frazier and MLA Pat Stier addressed the crowd of participants, family and spectators.

Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg

MD of Pincher Creek Reeve Brian Hammond

MLA Pat Stier

MD Darrell Ferguson

Southern Alberta Recreation Association Chair Bonnie Ellis, Alberta Sport Connection Board Member John Short, Alberta Sport Connection Board Member John Short all had the opportunity to address the crowd.  Carol Thibert and Max Gibb gave five Max Gibb Awards to people who have made a major contribution to the games (click here for that story).

Brenda Shenton and Pincher Creek Recreation Director Diane Burt Stuckey

Four generations of Shenton family are currently involved as participants in this summer games.  Shenton family members came to the front and recited the Athletes Pledge: "In the name of all competitors I pledge that we will take part in these games in the spirit of sportsmanship, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them for the glory of sport and the honour of our team."

Megan Rainford, Carter Grose, and Brian Wright lighting the torch

After the recital the Lighting of the Torch was performed by athletes and volunteers.  Megan Rainford and Carter Grose brought the ignition torch, and Game Chair Brian Wright lifted it up to ignite the flame, declaring the official start of the games.