McIver said the neighbourhood association partnered with the Regina Ski Club and the city s winter series to create the challenge. Volunteers from the ski club have been maintaining the trails for years.
Skiing is a great way to exercise and burn calories, McIver said, but it also has emotional benefits, especially during the pandemic just being outdoors, looking at the frost on the trees, looking at the birds and just seeing people from a distance in the neighborhood. We re hoping it can bring people together, keep them active and healthy during this difficult time.
To enter the challenge, people need to first let the organizers know they want to participate by emailing the association at caca@sasktel.net. Then, they re advised to get an app to track their distance or simply mark down estimates based on trail lengths.
People put more effort because of the COVID-19 pandemic, say local organizers. “People just love coming out and seeing lights. It’s been fantastic,” said Walter Leverton, whose business, Wally’s Electric, is participating. Thirty-four camp sites in Sandy Bay Campground in the park are lit and decorated with holiday themes. The event is in its third year and the number of participants and spectators has grown steadily from year to year, says Leverton. “People are building things months ahead. It’s just a fantastic event. It s not just businesses putting in sites and locations, we have community areas that are doing it. We have families that are coming and decorating sites.”
Photo by Submitted Photo Fulfilling a platform promise to communities around the province, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that registration for the reinstated Community Rink Affordability Grant program (CRAG) will officially open on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, to provide funding for community-owned indoor skating and curling rinks. “In reinstating the Community Rink Affordability Grant, we are helping communities keep ice rinks accessible and affordable across Saskatchewan,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “Rinks and the activities held at them, are important to the health and wellness of communities and contribute to local resident’s quality of life.” The program will provide $2,500 a year per indoor ice surface to help cover the costs of operating rinks in villages, towns and cities. First Nations, schools, and non-profits are all eligible and encouraged to register for the grant. The grant may be used to offset the