By TERRY PUGH
Saskatchewan is looking to bring home gold medals in men’s and women’s softball events at the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador August 8-25.
And both talent-laden squads have an excellent shot at earning top spot on the podium.
On the women’s side, Ashlyn Chatfield of Warman and Emma Frisky of Martensville were recently named to Team Sask by Softball Saskatchewan. The pair were members of the Twin City Angels team that won the U17A Girls provincial championship July 12-14, 2024 in Regina.
Frisky was also a member of Canada’s U18 Women’s National Softball squad that competed in the WBSC Americas Pan American Championship in South America in March, 2024.
The provincial men’s softball team also has a solid roster that features six area athletes, including: Harley Bergen of Neuanlage, Lochlan Dufour of Laird, Jordan Durham of Delisle, Jack Hrycuik of Rosthern, Jake Kessler of Warman and Kobe Sparvier of Duck Lake.
The head coach of the Women’s team is Nevada Delver of Saskatoon, and David McCullough, also of Saskatoon, is the head coach of the men’s team.
“The Team Sask experience is a once-in-a-career opportunity for most athletes, and we have a lot of talent in our province,” said Delver. “I’m excited about bringing these girls together and building a team that can best represent Saskatchewan at the 2025 Games.”
McCullough served as the head coach of the 2022 Canada Summer Games Men’s team, which earned a silver medal.
The Canada Summer Games will see over 3,000 athletes, coaches and support staff converge on St. John’s over a two-week period in August.
Team Saskatchewan will compete against the best athletes from every province and territory in the country.
A total of 19 sports are represented at the Canada Summer Games, including: Artistic Swimming, Athletics including Para-Athletics, and Special Olympics), Baseball, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Canoe Kayak, Cycling, Diving, Golf, Lacrosse, Mountain Bike, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, (including Para-Swimming and Special Olympics), Tennis, Volleyball, and Wrestling.