The Western Canada Summer Games are coming to Swift Current in just a matter of days.

Team Saskatchewan was introduced Tuesday, with 440 athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff taking part in the games, which will see teams from four provinces and two territories come to southwest Saskatchewan.

Chef de Mission Mark Bracken said it’s like a mini-Olympics for some of the athletes.

“For some athletes, this might be the pinnacle of their career, it might be just a great opportunity they come and enjoy, and maybe they don’t enjoy,” Bracken said. “It’s a real unique opportunity for athletes just because of the multi-sport concept.”

Wrestler Julia Petryna said she is competing in the games in just her second year as a wrestler.

“I’ve put in a lot of time starting at the gym, then wrestling practice,” Petryna said. “Our coach pushes us really hard, and he likes to see us succeed.”

Christian Patterson is participating in canoe/kayak and will also be the flag bearer, and said it’s an honour to lead team Saskatchewan into the games.

“I didn’t think I would even be nominated for it, but it means a lot to me that I performed well enough this year and gave back enough to my sport that I was up for consideration and that I won that honour.”

These games will be the fifth time Saskatchewan has hosted the Western Canada Summer Games, the most times out of any province.

(ckrm)