Information is key to success in today's sport, culture and recreation environment. In Get the Scoop, you will find the latest news, funding and resources from the South East Sport, Culture & Recreation District. | | | Coaching & Officiating For Sport’s Sake... | | |
Check out our new Coaching & Officiating For Sport’s Sake… webpage. It was created to support and strengthen our grassroots sporting community. This initiative responds to the growing challenge of recruiting and retaining coaches and officials—the backbone of community sport.
Our page features a comprehensive Guidebook for Getting Started in Coaching & Officiating, along with practical digital tools and printable resources for aspiring coaches and officials, sport clubs, and community leaders.
These shareable resources are designed to help people step confidently into these vital roles and to support communities in creating welcoming, sustainable environments where coaches and officials can thrive.
| | Brought to You by Snow and Ice - A Toolkit for Embracing Winter | | |
This Toolkit was created to help communities embrace winter activities and boost engagement. Whether you are looking for inspirational ideas or ways to help take your winter programming further, there’s something for every stage of your Winter Town journey.
Gain a better understanding of what it means to be a Winter Town, why it’s beneficial, and how to become one. In this toolkit you’ll find:
- Resources for planning and evaluation
- Tips for community engagement and promotion
- Real examples of Winter Town ideas in the South East and beyond
This Toolkit is for municipal leaders, recreation coordinators, community groups, and local leaders that want to help their communities embrace winter.
| | Leadership Workshop Series | Our "Leadership Workshop Series" is designed to equip community leaders, nonprofit staff, and volunteers with the practical knowledge and tools needed to lead with confidence. From mastering grant writing to running effective meetings and developing solid policies and plans, these sessions are packed with actionable guidance to help your organization thrive. Whether you're new to leadership or looking to sharpen your skills, this series will provide the clarity and confidence to take the next step. | Volunteer Leduc: A Case Study of Volunteer Impact on the Community with Elana Hansen | |
Using Volunteer Leduc as a case study, this webinar explores programs and services developed through the Volunteer Leduc Strategy, offering practical ideas and tools for your own community. Volunteerism is vital to our social fabric—connecting people, supporting services, and shaping society. We'll focus on four key principles: telling our story, creating connection, building capacity, and empowering volunteers. Highlights include the Newcomers Mixer, corporate volunteering initiatives, and VolunteerFest, a celebration of community engagement.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Facilitator: Elana Hansen
Registration Deadline: Monday, March 2
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This year, we are trying something new! Culture Chat will feature inspiring speakers covering a range of topics, including event and audience development, grant writing, and fostering arts practices in rural areas, as well as the importance of culture to economic development. You won’t want to miss these engaging speakers.
The topic is always different, but the passionate focus is always on culture. Make new connections, be inspired and meet other creatives, makers, and doers in the southeast and beyond over your lunch break, virtually.
| | Navigating Film and Making it Happen in the Southeast | |
Contemporary art practices are increasingly thriving in rural Saskatchewan, challenging the notion that artists must live in large urban centers to succeed—especially in filmmaking. In this Chat, two practitioners from Southeast Saskatchewan share how they create critical, contemporary work while staying grounded in their communities. Discover what inspires them, how they’ve secured funding, and how they continue to build professional film practices outside major cities.
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Guest Speaker: Artists and Filmmakers Morgan Kelly and Emily Ellis
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 20
| | Placemaking and Intangible Cultural Heritage | |
Communities across Saskatchewan each have unique heritage and culture. David and his team’s research explores not “do we have heritage?” but “what is our heritage and how do we keep it alive?” His presentation compares ways of defining heritage—tangible, intangible, and their values—to help participants identify what their communities value.
Amber’s presentation focuses on placemaking, a people-centred approach to designing and managing public spaces that fosters connection, health, identity, and sustainability. Reflect on how your community already practices these elements and join the conversation.
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Guest Speaker: David Siebert, Communication – Research Manager, Heritage Saskatchewan and Amber Andersen, Community Development Consultant, South East Sport, Culture, & Recreation District
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 11
| | Arts and Economic Development with Saskatchewan Arts Alliance | |
In recent years, community leaders have increasingly recognized the economic impact of lifestyle initiatives—from walking paths and murals to festivals and inclusive programming. Southeast communities are embracing economic development strategies that integrate the arts, which drive growth by creating jobs, attracting visitors and businesses, fostering pride, and boosting property values. Em Ironstar, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance, joins us to share tools and insights on how the arts are strengthening our communities.
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Guest Speaker: Em Ironstar, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Arts Alliance
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 17
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Inspiring Engagement: Developing Coaches and Officials in Grassroots Sport | |
Across Saskatchewan, programs are growing while coaches and officials are stretched thin. This 60-minute webinar explores how clubs can attract and retain volunteers by rethinking the experience—focusing on belonging, support, clear expectations, and purpose—and offers practical, rural-realistic strategies, examples, reflection, and a toolkit
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Facilitator: Lauren Brett, Leadership Coach with Sport Law
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 20
| Inspiring Engagement: Developing Coaches and Officials in Grassroots Sport | |
Join Team South East for an evening Webinar Session with the Sport Medicine & Science Council of Saskatchewan. This webinar will provide attendees with knowledge and resources to better understand how to properly fuel up during the games.
We invite athletes, families, and coaches to join and learn the basics about sport nutrition and performance.
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Facilitator: Sport Medicine & Science Council of Saskatchewan facilitated by Heather Hynes, MSc, RD, CSSD, HPC
Register Here:
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 30
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Save the Dates — Two Exciting Events Coming Your Way! | |
Save the dates for two exciting opportunities to connect and collaborate this spring. The Recreation Practitioners Gathering will take place in Grenfell on April 23, bringing recreation professionals together to share ideas and strengthen connections. On May 21, join us in Moosomin for the South East Summit, a one-day, in-person gathering for anyone interested in cultural vitality!
- April 23 – Recreation Practitioners Gathering (Grenfell)
- May 21 – South East Summit (Moosomin)
More details and registration information coming soon.
| Attention Municipalities and First Nation Bands: Apply for the Sask Lotteries Community Grant! Deadline: February 28 | |
Every year, communities across Saskatchewan are eligible to receive funding through the Sask Lotteries Community Grant Program. This funding supports sport, culture, and recreation groups and activities—helping to strengthen community engagement and well-being. Every community sets their own deadlines and process for community groups to apply for this funding.
How It Works:
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Grants are allocated based on a per capita rate.
- Funding can be used for programs, events, and initiatives that promote sport, culture, and recreation in your community.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Grant Period: April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028
- Community Grant Packages were mailed to communities in December.
Action Required:
Submit your application by February 28 to secure funding for your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local programs and activities!
For more information or assistance, contact Sherrie Mitchler, at smitchler@sasksport.ca.
Don’t miss out—apply today!
| | Cheer Story: Indigenous-Led Beading App Wins Rural Pitch Contest | |
Métis entrepreneur Jill Ruep took home first place at the ICED Rural Pitch Contest in Estevan for her Indigenous-led beading app—blending culture, creativity, and innovation.
Read the full story behind her winning pitch!
| | One Month to Go Until the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games! | | |
The countdown is on! In just one month, the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games will light up Flying Dust First Nation and the City of Meadow Lake from February 15–21, 2026.
This weeklong celebration of sport will bring together the province’s top young athletes, coaches, officials, and communities for an unforgettable winter experience.
Current Athlete Opportunities:
Badminton: Saturday, January 17, Kipling (Email garth.shoemaker@pvsd.ca to register)
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February 15-18
- Artistic Swimming
- Biathlon
- Bowling - 5 Pin
- Bowling - Special Olympics
- Curling - Male
- Gymnastics
- Ringette
- Speed Skating
- Table Tennis
- Wrestling
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February 18-21
- Badminton
- Cross Country and Para Nordic Skiing
- Curling - Female
- Figure Skating
- Judo
- Target Shooting
- Weightlifting
- Futsal
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Weyburn Selected to Host the 2028 Saskatchewan Summer Games | |
The Saskatchewan Games Council announced that Weyburn has been selected as the host city of the 2028 Saskatchewan Summer Games.
The 2028 Saskatchewan Summer Games will bring together upwards of 1,800 participants and 5,000 spectators from every corner of the province. The weeklong multi-sport event will be supported by over 1,000 community volunteers and will drive up to $7 million to the local economy through tourism spending, capital investment, and upgrades to sport facilities and equipment.
Weyburn last hosted the biennial multi-sport event in 2004!
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Upcoming Opportunities & Resources
| | Resources for Arts Organizations | |
Discover a collection of articles and resource materials designed to support arts organizations and festivals in navigating key topics and challenges. Explore insights on:
- Equity and Inclusion in the Arts
- Governance Best Practices
- Growth and Financial Stability
- Indigenous Art and Artists
- Effective Social Media Strategies
- Embracing Digital Transformation
- Leadership in Times of Crisis
Whether you're seeking guidance on reopening, advancing equity, or leveraging digital tools, these resources offer practical advice and inspiration for your organization’s journey.
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Upcoming Opportunities & Resources
| | Join the Rec Practitioner Network! | | |
The Rec Practitioner Network is an online forum for recreation practitioners working in communities in Saskatchewan. It’s a space to ask questions, share resources, and collaborate with peers.
Members can exchange advice, share and edit files, learn best practices, and build connections.
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Upcoming Opportunities & Resources
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Can’t find the grant you need? We’ve compiled a list of websites that feature a wide range of grants for sport, culture, and recreation.
Reach out to our staff by email at ed@southeastdistrict.ca for assistance in your grant search!
| | Please note deadlines may change. For up to date information, seek the funder for the correct dates. | | Saskatchewan Lotteries - Everyone Wins! | | Sask Lotteries funds over 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups across Saskatchewan. Every time you purchase a lottery ticket in Saskatchewan, a portion of that revenue supports a wealth of organizations in our communities. Subscriptions allow lottery players to play draw-based games – including LOTTO MAX, LOTTO 6/49, WESTERN MAX, WESTERN 649, DAILY GRAND and EXTRA – for up to a year in advance. Subscriptions can be purchased by phone, by mail, or on the Sask Lotteries website. | | | | Located within Treaty 2 & 4 Territory and Homeland of the Metis | |
| Check us out on social media! | | Get in touch with our staff! | | We are the South East. We network, we educate, we partner, we inspire; giving local sport, culture, and recreation groups the support they need to make their communities stronger. | | | | |
