Virtual Saskatchewan

- images courtesy Tourism Regina

The Queen City is hosting the 2005 Canada Summer Games.

More than 4,500 Canadian athletes, coaches and support personnel from 10 provinces and three territories have descended upon Regina for the 2005 Canada Summer Games.

Saskatchewan is the first province to host the Games three times since their inaugural run in Quebec in 1967, part of Canada's centennial celebrations. Regina's edition, the 20th Canada Games, run Aug. 6-20 and will coincide with Saskatchewan's centennial celebrations. The Canada Games are held every second year, alternating between summer and winter formats.

Sixteen sports are featured at the 2005 Canada Games, including baseball, field hockey, basketball, canoeing, wrestling, diving, rugby, sailing, softball (men's and women's), tennis, cycling, rowing, athletics, soccer (men's and women's), swimming and volleyball. There are also events for athletes with physical and developmental disabilities.

Participating athletes are among the best in the nation. They range in age from 14 to 23, with different sports having different maximum ages for participation. Sailing has a 23-and-under category, for example, while all basketball competitors must be under 17.

Looking south across Wascana Lake.

While Regina's beautiful and recently deepened Wascana Lake will be the scene of canoeing and rowing events, sailing competitions are occurring at Saskatchewan Beach on Last Mountain Lake, about half an hour northwest of Regina (click here for a more detailed list of venues). Moose Jaw, about 40 minutes west of Regina, is hosting the men's soccer competition as well as some women's softball games. And Lumsden, situated in the striking Qu'Appelle Valley about 15 minutes northwest of Regina, is hosting some cycling events.

Visitors to Regina have an opportunity to explore the provincial capital while it's all dressed up to celebrate Saskatchewan's 100 birthday. Events occurring around the same time the games include the Regina International Fringe Festival and the Buffalo Days exhibition, which run Aug. 2-7; Government House Historical Society Victorian Tea, a traditional Victorian tea in the unique Government House Ballrooom held from 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 6-7; and the 10th annual Connect Festival, a potpourri of electronic, trance and house music running Aug. 5-8. Search Tourism Saskatchewan's events database for more.

All members of the RCMP receive basic training in Regina, which views itself as the home of the force.

Among the "must see" attractions in Regina is the RCMP Centennial Museum, situated on the grounds of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police training centre west on Dewdney Avenue. The museum features an enormous array of Mountie memorabilia, as well exhibits highlighting the force's storied history and even its often amusing treatment by Hollywood.

Most weekday afternoons at training centre find cadets being put through their paces at the Sergeant Major's Parade. And every Tuesday evening during July and August the famous Sunset Retreat Ceremony takes place. Based in British military tradition, the colourful retreat recalls the 19th Century tattoo used to beckon soldiers back to their post.

The First Nations Gallery at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum: 10,000 years of history and culture.

The Saskatchewan Science Centre/Kramer Imax Theatre offers a unique combination of entertainment, learning and fun, while the Royal Saskatchewan Museum explores Saskatchewan's history, pre-history, natural history, culture and biodiversity, not to mention the province's sometimes surprising connections to ecosystems far, far away. Athletes and other visitors seeking something a little different to take home with them, meantime, might try taking a stroll down 13th Avenue in Regina's Cathedral Area, an interesting mix of specialty shops, restaurants and coffee houses.

Downtown Regina.

The Canada Games have been proving grounds for many athletes who've gained international stature. Among past participants who went on to achieve wide recognition in sports are NBA basketball star Steve Nash, world curling champion Colleen Jones, Olympic gold medallist and former super heavyweight champion of the world Lennox Lewis, and world speed skating champion Catriona LeMay Doan.

But the games are a cultural event, as well. They provide a forum for Canadians from all areas of the country to share traditions and ideas in an atmosphere of friendly competition. They also provide an opportunity for the rest of Canada to get to know the host community and province. With Saskatchewan strutting its stuff during its centennial celebrations, the timing couldn't be better.