Media and Photography Handbook Welcome We are excited to present the largest event that Southwest has ever hosted and hope you find your visit with us to be inspirational, educational and exciting. With more than 1,600 athletes and coaches attending 16 different sports, a cultural festival and nearly 2,000 community members as volunteers, there is a lot to see and do.

WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES This handbook, along with our website at www.2019wcsg.ca, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts (@2019wcsg), will help guide you on your journey through the Games. The Media Centre, located in the iPlex, is also available for you as a place to regroup and gather resources. And, of course, you can contact the Media Centre if you have specific requests or questions at 306-741-5346.

Ally Pilkey and Carrie Voysey Co-Directors of Media, Communications and Promotions

MISSION The 2019 Western Canada Summer Games will create a memorable Games experience that leaves a sport and human legacy for southwest Saskatchewan.

VISION To inspire excellence in sport and community through relationships, teamwork and volunteerism.

VALUES Community, Integrity, Fun, Quality and Respect

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK 02 Media Centre

The Media Centre is located at the iPlex upstairs. Please use the iPlex south entrance and then take the stairs through the glass doors. There is an elevator located by the washrooms in the rink lobby of the iPlex. The Media Centre is set up as a resource for our media partners that are in town covering the games. In the Media Centre you will find a designated computer, camera card reader, hardwired internet connection, work area, light refreshments and resources for additional Games information.

HOURS OF OPERATION The Media Centre will be staffed from 08:00–12:00 and 16:00–20:00 from August 9–18, 2019*. The Media Centre will be available for media and photographers from 08:00-20:00. The Centre will be staffed by media volunteers who can answer questions and be a resource for information and story gathering. Please respect the workspace and the privacy of other media that are using the Media Centre. For any media inquiries, please call 306-741-5346.**

*This is subject to change based on demand and use. **Note that this number will be active during the Games from August 1-18 only.

Social media

For all Games information and updates, follow our social media channels.

2019 Western Canada Summer Games @2019WCSG Swift Current

@2019WCSG 2019wcsg.ca

#getinthegame #itsgotime #2019wcsg

03 WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES Accreditation

All media must be accredited in order to have access to the sport venues and non-sport venues. Your Media Accreditation badge must be displayed at all times at the competition venues. Your Media Accreditation will allow you access to the Media Centre, all sporting events at all venues as well as culture events. Your accreditation will be needed to gain access to any media or photography zones. The accreditation passes are personalized per person and you will need a passport size photo to complete your accreditation. They are not to be transferred and are the property of the host society. Any misuse of accreditation passes will not be tolerated, and misuse will result in the accreditation being cancelled. Please follow the link below to register for Media and Photography access. Pre-registration is recommended to save time before arriving at the Games.

Link for Media Accreditation Pass

Once your accreditation is completed you will be able to pick up your personalized accreditation badge at the Accreditation Centre after July 31 located at the Swift Current Mall (1 Springs Drive). Any questions and concerns about Accreditation can be forwarded to the Accreditation Centre or by phone at (306) 741-3846. An example of Games Accreditation is below.

ATH #200923 TANSI N RAVI Athlete Beach

RIV 1 2 3

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK 04 Press conferences

Opening Press Conference August 9 at 13:00 Speakers: Games Co-chairs, Mark Benesh and Melissa Shaw His Worship, Mayor Denis Perrault Location: Innovation Credit Union iPlex Lobby

Sports and Athlete Update August 12 at 10:00 Speakers: Sport Co-chairs, Denise Levorson and Morgan Montgomery Location: Innovation Credit Union iPlex Lobby

Phase 2 Press Conference August 14 at 10:00 Speakers: Games Manager, Denise Barbier Chef de Mission of Team Sask, Mark Bracken Location: Innovation Credit Union iPlex Lobby

Athletes’ Village Guided Tour - A behind-the-scenes look into the Athletes’ Village. August 16 at 09:00 Speakers: Co-Directors of Athletes’ Village, Shelby Budd and Carrie Chambers Location: Swift Current Comprehensive High School (1100, 11th Ave. NE, Swift Current) Email [email protected] to RSVP for the tour.

Wrap-Up Press Conference August 17 at 14:00 Speakers: Games Co-chairs, Mark Benesh and Melissa Shaw Government of SK Liaison and Western Council Chair, Darin Banadayga Location: Innovation Credit Union iPlex Lobby

05 WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES Accreditation

COMMUNICATIONS STAFF/LIAISONS Team Jessica Bednarski 204-801-7401 | [email protected] Team Saskatchewan Karen Lawson 306-529-3120 | [email protected]. Team Marc Majeau 780-991-5968 | [email protected] Team Northwest Territories Kendra Wambold 867-688-5005 | [email protected] Team Trevor Twardochleb 867-332-2711 | [email protected] Team Katrina Krawec 519-817-2798 | [email protected]

INTERVIEW REQUESTS Each provincial and territorial Mission Team has their own communications staff members. Those members can assist in setting up interviews with Missions Staff and their team. Please contact them directly to set up interviews. Please note that while all athletes are encouraged to participate in doing interviews in is not required to do so.

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK 06 Scores and results

The Sports scores and medal standings will be posted on the 2019 Western Canada Games website (www.2019wcsg.ca) and through Twitter (@2019wcsg). More detailed information and sports schedules can also be found under the sports tab on the website (www.2019wcsg.ca/sports).

Venue information

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY ZONES Media and photographers are provided with the most advantageous locations possible at each sports venue. Only accredited media, video and still photographers will be allowed in the Media Only and Mixed Mix zones at venues. Please look for the below MEDIA ONLY and MEDIA MIX ZONE signs for designated areas. Venue Service Volunteers will also assist media and photographers in identifying the Photography/Media zones designated at each venue. If there is not designated media and Photography zone, please exercise caution and respect when covering the event. At all times please be respectful of all athletes, coaches, team areas and spectators. The Athletes’ Village is off-limits to media.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING All parking at Games venues is first come, first serve. There will be no Media parking passes provided to the Media due to the multiple sports venues. Media is encouraged to make use of the free shuttle offered as parking will be very limited at some venues.

07 WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES Games Photography

For the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games we have a dedicated group of volunteer photographers that will be capturing the sights and sounds of the games. A Google drive has been set up for photographers to upload photos and for Media to access. We are also welcoming the media to upload their own photos to share in celebration of the games. To gain access to the Google Drive of Games photos you can email [email protected] or click the following link* to gain access. Photographers and Media can utilize the Media Centre located at the iPlex if they choose to upload their games photos. The Media Centre will have a computer with card reader available. To upload your photos:** • Click on the invitation link sent to your email address to be brought the folder • Open the folders for the event that you have captured (ex. Week 1 > ) • Right click on the screen, and choose “new folder” • Call your new folder the date that you captured the photos, the sport, and your initials (ex. 13.08.19 basketball kn) • Open your new folder, right click on the screen, and choose “upload files” to uploads your 10-20 best photos, or simply drag your photos onto the screen * If you didn’t receive a separate email with a link to this folder, feel free to click on this link instead:

Link Here

** Please give credit to the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games for any photos used from the Google drive.

Torch Relay

The Torch Relay is a time-honoured tradition, originating with the Olympics. When we think about the Torch Relay, we think about connecting people, connecting communities and building excitement for the upcoming Games. “Share the Spirit Torch Relay” expresses the connection we have here in the southwest from our prairie fields to the field of play. A role that is evident in our opening ceremony theme of The Spirit of Play. Which reminds us all the roots we have in traditional field games and activities. Please join us: August 3, 2019 – Swift Current, Market Square 10:00 ceremony, followed by the Torch Relay August 4, 2019 – Lac Pelletier Regional Park, Ona’s Beach (south end); Torch Relay starts at the north end of the lake at 10:00, ceremony to follow the Relay at Ona’s Beach August 5, 2019 – Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park Main Beach; Relay starts at 13:00, ceremony to follow the Relay at the Main Beach

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK 08 Cultural Events

2019 Western Canada Summer Games Opening Ceremonies - August 9 Innovation Credit Union iPlex Starts at 19:00 | Doors open at 17:30 The performance will take the excitement for the Games to the next level with dance and music inspired by the theme “The Spirit of Play.” The ceremony will culminate with the lighting of the Games cauldron, officially marking the start of the Games.

Firelight Festival - August 10, 12, 14 and 16 Kinetic Exhibition Park Time: 17:00–23:00 The Firelight Festival brings ‘to life’ the summer tradition of gathering around a bonfire with various musicians, vendors, activities, food trucks, kids’ activities, beer gardens and more. Visit the website for detailed information.

2019 Western Canada Summer Games Closing Ceremonies - August 18 Stockade (Kinetic Exhibition Park) Starts at 16:00 | Doors open at 15:00 “The Spirit of Play” will be evident once more, as athletes, volunteers and the community “play” together. Although the Games will close out with this final hurrah, the memories made through the Games itself and the process of getting here will continue to inspire everyone to even greater accomplishments. For more information about our cultural events, please visit www.2019wcsg.ca.

09 WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES VENUE MAP

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK 10 SPORTS AND EVENTS SCHEDULE

11 WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES FREE SHUTTLE MAP

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK 12 COMMUNITY IMPACT

13 WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES History of the Games

The Western Canada Summer Games were officially launched in Regina in August 1975, in a pre- year. At that time the decision was made to hold the Games every four years, one year ahead of the Olympic Games, and use the same 23 summer sports disciplines. The following is a list of the Games hosted to date: 1975: Regina, SK 1979: , SK 1983: Calgary, AB 1987: Regina, SK 1991: , MB 1995: Abbotsford, BC 1999: Prince Albert, SK 2003: Selkirk, Stonewall, Gimli and Beausejour, MB 2007: Strathcona County, AB 2011: , BC 2015: Wood Buffalo, AB The following hosting rotation has been approved by the Ministers: 2019: Saskatchewan 2023: Manitoba 2027: Northwest Territories The Western Canada Summer Games are intended to provide development opportunities for amateur athletes and to help them advance their skills in a competitive, but friendly environment. The Games also serve to broaden the exposure of talented athletes and provide a training ground for national and international level competitions. Social and cultural elements round out the sporting events for athletes. The Western Canada Summer Games have also presented an opportunity for Host Communities in the western provinces and territories to successfully take on the challenge of staging such a major event. The process, therefore, has a dual role: a major multi-sport Games for athletes and a unique opportunity for promoting community development.

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK 14 Meet the mascots

The Swift Current 2019 Western Canada Summer Games are pleased to introduce the sister/ brother team of white-tailed deer, Tansi and Ravi, as our mascots. Tansi (pronounced Tawn-say) is a Cree language greeting meaning, “Hi, how are you?” and Ravi (pronounced Ra-vee) means “delighted” in French. Tansi and Ravi will be familiar to many people in Saskatchewan as they were chosen as the official mascots of the 2005 Canada Summer Games held in Regina. At the conclusion of the Canada Games, the mascots were gifted to the Saskatchewan Games Council which adopted them as the official mascots of the Saskatchewan Games program. The sister/brother team were a natural choice in our mascot selection process; they promote partnership, our province and with their long history of games involvement they are the perfect fit. The white-tailed deer is Saskatchewan’s official animal and is commonly seen in our southwest region. The white- tailed deer exhibits many of the qualities and talents that are demonstrated by athletes. The animal is an excellent runner, jumper and swimmer.

15 WESTERN CANADA SUMMER GAMES Thank you Partners & Sponsors

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK 16