The CFL’s 2022 championship game ended on Nov. 20 at 8:50 p.m. But the wide-ranging benefits endure, as they will for generations.
The lasting impact of the fourth Regina-based Grey Cup Festival was celebrated on Wednesday morning at Regina’s mâmawêyatitân centre, into which 99-year-old Scott Collegiate is incorporated.
During a media conference that was also attended by Scott staff members and students, Saskatchewan Roughriders President-CEO Craig Reynolds — who co-chaired the Festival with Barry Clarke — announced the nine beneficiaries of the Grey Cup Festival Legacy Grant Program.
The mâmawêyatitân centre, to cite one of the recipients, will receive financial assistance toward the creation of a land-based learning space that will include native prairie grasses and plants and traditional Indigenous medicinal plants.
That is an extension of the meaning of “mâmawêyatitân,” which is Cree for “let’s be all together.”
“It was amazing that they would choose this place, because I think we need more opportunities like this in this community to try and make way for new change,” said Rashawn Taniskishayinew, a Grade 12 student.
“I think it’s going to benefit us as students and just as a community to grow and just have something to look forward to.”
Grade 10 student David Crowe was quick to concur.
“It will open up more doors for opportunities,” he said. “I think there will be a lot more productivity within the students, just getting the chance to learn outside.
“This building has hosted so many great things. I’m just glad we got chosen.”
Overall, the Legacy Grant Program has contributed more than $277,000 to the aforementioned nine recipients.
The money was generated via the
Grey Cup Festival Foundation 50/50 draw, which was presented by ISC. Tickets were sold until the fourth quarter of the 109th Grey Cup game, in which the Toronto Argonauts defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24-23 at Mosaic Stadium.
“When you host a Festival like the Grey Cup, one of the first things that comes to mind is the opportunity to give back,” Reynolds said on Wednesday.
“It’s important for us to give back as a community-owned team — and province-wide, as well. That’s what we’re really excited about today.
“All four corners of the province are receiving funding. There are nine different communities and nine different projects.”
More than 200 applications were received, whereupon an adjudication committee selected the final nine. Also selected were:
- Battlefords & Area Sexual Assault Centre, which will use the funding to support a school-based prevention education program. The emphasis will be on promoting a strong sense of self and healthy communities.
- Sturgeon Lake First Nation, in support of its skating rink asphalt project. The initiative will allow young people to enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities year-round, both during and after school.
- City of Prince Albert, which is developing a youth baseball facility.
- Prairie Harm Reduction, which will provide youth in the Saskatoon area with access to hands-on mentorship, services and culturally appropriate support.
- Kawacatoose First Nation and its outdoor rink revitalization, which will also expand leisure and recreational opportunities for young people and families in the community.
- Broncs Parents Association/Town of Indian Head, where the McCall Field Improvement Project is designed to create space to accommodate and create opportunities for youth to enjoy track and field, outdoor education, cross-country running, community soccer, and football.
- Northern Lights School Division #113 and its expansive geographical area, over which Mental Health First Aid First Nations training will be provided to the staff.
- First Nations University of Canada — Indigenous Continuing Education Centre and a scholarship program that benefits students who focus on health sciences.
“We have made a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in years past, and now, and this is part of that,” Reynolds said. “Part of that is making sure that when we have Indigenous involvement in some of these grants opportunities, we provide funding directly to Indigenous communities for the things that are important to Indigenous people in this province.”
In general, the Grey Cup Festival Legacy Grant Program supports Saskatchewan-based programs that focus on mental health and healthy lifestyles for young people.
When the 2013 Festival was held in Saskatchewan, what was then known as the Grey Cup Legacy Project was founded upon the expansion of historic Mosaic Stadium.
The semi-permanent structures in the north and south end zones were repurposed for sporting and artistic venues across Saskatchewan once new Mosaic Stadium officially opened in 2017.
The seating was eventually used to enhance facilities in Grenfell, Kamsack, Lafleche, Montmartre, Naicam, Saskatoon and Swift Current. The benefits were felt by people who participated in, coached or watched sports such as football, baseball, hockey, soccer, swimming and track and field.
“Back then, (the legacy) was more of a physical nature than funding,” Reynolds noted. “We had expanded the stadium by about 7,000 and we were able to disperse those seats throughout the province.
“We see those in use today, especially in Saskatoon. Every training camp, we see those seats at the Green and White Day (at the Gordie Howe Bowl).
“With (the 2022 Legacy Grant Program), we thought that delivering dollars was the best way to have an impact for years to come.”
The impact extends beyond the nine recipients who have been cited.
Another $338,000 has been earmarked for amateur sport and Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation programming. The Foundation aims to assist youth through health, education and opportunities to play amateur football.
As well, a total of $150,000 in total funding was awarded to six Saskatchewan communities — Abbey, Birch Hills, File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, Langham, Marshall and Whitewood — in 2022 via the Richardson Pioneer Rider Nation Community Celebration.
Factoring in Wednesday’s announcement, the Grey Cup Festival Legacy Grant Program will provide assistance exceeding $750,000.
“We wanted to host a truly provincial event,” said Clarke, the Roughriders’ board chair, “and give back to the community that gives so much to us.”
