Parkland Valley District Spotlight

Celebrating Community Successes

By: Darla Batke

Date: February. 2026

Issue: 7

Team Parkland Valley Competes at the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games

The 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games in Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation have officially concluded, leaving behind memories of remarkable achievements, teamwork, and community spirit. Team Parkland Valley athletes showcased dedication, perseverance, and the true essence of sportsmanship throughout every competition.

Team Parkland Valley was made up of 109 athletes, coaches, managers, and mission staff who traveled north to compete from February 15-21, 2026. Our district was represented by 75 athletes, 26 coaches and managers, and 8 mission staff volunteers.

Parkland Valley fielded athletes in the following sports:

First Half (February 15-18):

Artistic Swimming

5-Pin Bowling

Curling (Male)

Gymnastics

Speed Skating

Table Tennis

Second Half (February 19-21):

Badminton

Cross-Country Skiing

Curling (Female)

Figure Skating

Futsal (Female and Male)

Target Shooting

A total of 22 communities from across the Parkland Valley District were represented, including Yorkton, Melville, Esterhazy, Foam Lake, Fenwood, Abernethy, Springside, Little Black Bear First Nation, RM of Orkney, RM of Calder, RM of Fertile Belt, RM of Good Lake, RM of Wallace, Langenburg, Stockholm, Ebenezer, Grayson, Preeceville, Invermay, Saltcoats, Canora, and Balcarres.

In the end, Parkland Valley finished the Games with 10 medals: three gold, four silver, and three bronze.

Gold:

Table Tennis Team 14U Male

Cross Country Skiing Sprint U16 Male - Levi Maier

Cross Country Skiing Free Distance U16 Male - Levi Maier

Silver:

Cross Country Skiing Spring U14 Male - Jaxon Neilson

Figure Skating STAR 8 Free Skate Female - Jesse Mucha

Cross Country Skiing Relay Male - Levi Maier, Jaxon Neilson & Owen Ziola

Target Shooting Pistol Female - Willow Fayant-Velychko

Bronze:

Table Tennis Team U18 Male - Kale Bolme

Curling Male - Reid Foster, Hunter Garbutt, Ridge Kriger, & Reagen Werner

Figure Skating STAR 6 Free Skate Female - Aurika Rudkovska

In addition to medal performances, two athletes achieved personal milestones at the Games. In 5-Pin Bowling, Elyssa Thompson recorded a personal high score of 275, while Rio Sakal achieved a personal best score of 273.

For the Opening Ceremonies, Parkland Valley selected Mien Hguyen (Yorkton) and Zach Curylo (Fenwood) as banner carriers. Hguyen competed as a dual athlete in table tennis and futsal, while Curylo represented the district in speed skating. Gia Umana (Yorkton), who competed in artistic swimming and futsal, was selected as the district flag bearer.

As the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games came to a close, Team Parkland Valley was once again proudly represented. Banner carriers for the Closing Ceremonies were Aurika Rudkovska (figure skating) and Dillon Rathgeber (male futsal).

Parkland Valley would like to thank our sponsors, including the City of Melville, Parkland Mall Yorkton, Legacy Co-op for donating athlete uniform bags, and Sask Lotteries for their continued support. The City of Melville generously provided the CNC Centre for our pre-Games meet and greet, and Parkland Mall Yorkton provided space for a second athlete send-off event, allowing athletes to receive their uniforms, take photos for trading cards, and connect with teammates and mission staff prior to departing for the Games.

We also extend our appreciation to the host communities of Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation, along with the Saskatchewan Games Council, for organizing a memorable event. A sincere thank you as well to the many dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their commitment and enthusiasm played a vital role in ensuring a smooth and successful week of competition.

A special thank you to our coaches and managers who dedicated their time away from work and family to support our athletes at the Games. Without you, this experience would not be possible. Thank you as well to our mission staff volunteers for the countless hours worked behind the scenes.

Finally, thank you to our parents and families for your ongoing support leading up to Games and during Games week. And to our athletes, congratulations on representing your communities and Parkland Valley District with pride, respect, and sportsmanship.

The 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games may be over, but the memories, friendships, and experiences will last far beyond the week. We look forward to seeing you at the 2028 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Weyburn.

Parkland Valley Spotlight highlights success stories in sport, culture, and recreation from across our District. Have a story to share? Let us know!

Parkland Valley Sport Culture and Recreation District is a non profit voluntary organization working with communities building capacity and creating a strong network of support through sport, culture, and recreation.

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