PotashCorp's $50,000 contribution to the 2007 Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games held at Red Pheasant First Nation was an essential component of the games' success, according to a games official.

"PotashCorp's donation was a huge boost to our fundraising goal," said games coordinator Kelly Villeneuve. "And it was also a huge boost to the kids."

About 3,800 athletes aged 8-17, representing 11 tribal councils from across the province, competed at the 33rd edition of the games at Red Pheasant First Nation, located about 30 km (19 mi.) south of The Battlefords in west-central Saskatchewan. The games ran for five days near the end of July.

When all the competitive events were completed, young athletes representing the Agency Chiefs Tribal Council had compiled sufficient gold, silver and bronze medals to take top honors at the games. But as Villeneuve is quick to point out, the games are about much more than which tribal council can amass the most medals.

"It's a good venue to learn some life-long lessons," said Villeneuve. "When you get into sports, you get into the idea of participation, responsibility, dedication, commitment, ambition – all those things that you can start adapting to your education. And when you start seeing some successes, you can start to move from being a participant to being a winner."

Rhonda Speiss, Manager of Public Relations at PotashCorp, says contributing to the games reflects PotashCorp's commitment to its communities.

"Sponsoring the First Nation Summer Games was exciting because it gave us an opportunity to support youth from all across the province," Speiss said after the games. "Saskatchewan is our home and it's very rewarding to participate in such successful events."

Tony Cote and the band council of the Cote First Nation conceived and launched Saskatchewan First Nations Games in the mid 1970s. The aim of the games is to provide a way for First Nations youngsters to compete in a wide range of track and sporting events, in a supportive environment.



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