The Grey Cup Festival Legacy Grant Program has provided more than $227,000 in funding to nine communities across the province of Saskatchewan.
The program was funded through the Grey Cup Festival Foundation 50/50, which accompanied the 109th Grey Cup at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Nov. 20, 2022. It received a significant number of applicants for projects focused on the physical and mental wellness of youth across the province.
“One of the most important parts of hosting a Grey Cup is knowing we’ll be able to give back to the people of Saskatchewan,” said Saskatchewan Roughriders’ president and CEO and 2022 Grey Cup Festival co-chair Craig Reynolds in a statement.
“We are so proud to be able to support these amazing projects that will provide valuable support to youth and to everyone who lives in these communities.”
The nine recipients for the Grey Cup Festival Legacy Grant Program recipients are listed below accompanied by a description for how the funding will be utlizied.
mâmawêyatitân centre (Regina, SK)
Development of a “land-based learning” space consisting of native prairie grasses and plants, traditional indigenous medicinal plants, where being outdoors together naturally extends the meaning of mâmawêyatitân, which is Cree for “let’s be all together.”
Battlefords & Area Sexual Assault Centre (BASAC)
The funding will support the School Based Prevention Education program focusing on promoting a strong sense of self and healthy communities.
Sturgeon Lake First Nation
The funding will support the Sturgeon Lake First Nation (SLFN) Skating Rink Asphalt project, allowing for all season outdoor recreational activities and increase utilization both during school and after school.
City of Prince Albert
The funding will support the further development of a youth baseball facility in the community.
Prairie Harm Reduction (Saskatoon, SK)
The funding will champion a new, youth-led legacy of safer and healthier communities by providing youth with access to hands-on mentorship, services, and culturally appropriate support.
Kawacatoose First Nation
The funding supports the Kawacatoose Outdoor Rink revitalization creating opportunities for recreation and play, spaces for leisure and recreation programs, a venue for amateur sport, facilities for personal and group fitness, and secure spaces for safe programs for children and youth.
Broncs Parents Association/Town of Indian Head
The funding supports the town of Indian Head and the next phase of the McCall Field Improvement Project which will create space to accommodate track & field, outdoor education, cross country running, community soccer, and football.
Northern Lights School Division #113
The funding supports the Northern Lights School Division which supports a large geographical area of the province and will assist in providing the Mental Health First Aid First Nations training to the staff.
First Nations University of Canada – Indigenous Continuing Education Centre
The funding supports a scholarship program for students currently studying in the areas of Health Sciences at the First Nations University of Canada.
An additional $338,000 was awarded to amateur sport and Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation programming as well as $150,000 in total funding which was awarded to six Saskatchewan communities in 2022 through the Richardson Pioneer Rider Nation Community Celebration.
The 109th Grey Cup saw the Toronto Argonauts upset the Winnipeg Blue Bombers by a score of 24-23. Veteran linebacker Henoc Muamba was named the game’s Most Valuable Player and Most Valuable Canadian. It marked the first time Saskatchewan had played host to the game since 2013.
