The 2023 Alberta Summer Games has announced that surplus funds will be going to the host communities as well as a number of charities and organizations in the Foothills.
“We were able to exceed all expectations,” said Sandi Kennedy, chairperson of the 2023 Alberta Summer Games, which were held in Okotoks and Diamond Valley in July. “Due to everyone’s hard work and diligent fundraising, generous donations and gifts in kind, the 2023 Alberta Summer Games committee will be providing cash donations to multiple organizations.”
Beneficiaries will include the Town of Okotoks, which will be reimbursed $100,000 for the construction costs of the beach volleyball pits, which were built for the Games.
The Town of Diamond Valley will receive $50,000 towards costs incurred for the mountain bike track, constructed specifically for the 2023 Games.
The beach volleyball pits and mountain bike track will be named as legacy projects for the Games, with commemorative plaques to be erected.
Additionally, the Town of Okotoks will receive $100,000 for unbudgeted expenditures incurred for the Games.
The remaining surplus will be distributed among the following charities and organizations in the Foothills: Okotoks Art Council, children’s programming, KidSport, Foothills Country Hospice Society, Sheep River Health Trust, Advocacy in Motion, Okotoks Food Bank, Okotoks School Lunch Program, Family and Community Services, Inclusion Foothills, Foothills Schools Foundation and Holy Trinity Academy.
Kennedy said the board of directors met its financial obligations and now wants to use surplus funds to support organizations that enhance the fabric of communities in the Foothills.
Kennedy said thanks to the co-ordinated efforts of staff liaisons from both towns, government representatives, 18 directors, 73 chairpersons, over 1,400 volunteers and six staff members, the Games were an enormous success.
“We are thrilled with the participation of everyone in the communities of Okotoks, Diamond Valley, High River, Calgary and Foothills. Every single volunteer was incredible, and to each of them, we offer a thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking time away from your families – and in many cases, along with your families – to contribute to the success of our 2023 Alberta Summer Games,” she said.
Kennedy wanted to acknowledge the board of directors — David Thompson, Diana Froc, Marlene Donnelly, David Gilbert, Wanda Seitz, Robin Szach, Karas Wright, Chad Merchant, Darren Stuber, Savannah Blakley, Britney Poole, Gabrielle Brassard, Mark Rowed, George Leblanc, Dave Wooldridge, Joyce Loucks, Wanda le Roux and Carson Jassman — for its leadership in making the Games successful.
She also thanked Games manager Marica Borovich-Law and staffers Kelly Meidema and Carly Wieler for tireless dedication to details large and small to ensure the success of the Games.
