President Pat Dell called on Donna Parry to introduce our Guest Speaker Mark Bracken. From Donna we learned that Mark has worked in the sport and recreation field for over 30 years. He is currently the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Games Council Inc. Mark was born and raised in Hudson Bay, Sask. where he grew up on the farm and has lived in Regina for the pasts 29 years. Mark and his wife, Joanne, have two sons and a daughter-in-law and 2 granddaughters. He is a sports enthusiast, especially a Blue Jays, Riders, and Montreal Canadiens fan! During Mark's presentation we learned his father and two uncles have been very involved in Rotary over the years (Hudson Bay & Kelowna). Let us remember Rotary blood flows in his veins, it just needs a home.
Mark Bracken came to tell us about the Saskatchewan Winter Games, his passion for the Games, which will be held in Regina for the first time in the Games 50 year history. The first Games were held in Moose Jaw in 1972. The games are staged every 2 years and alternate between winter and summer; participants are between the age of 10 and 18, although there is some flexibility. The games tend to be held in smaller cities which have the capacity to host the range of events. Regina and Saskatoon are usually not considered for the Saskatchewan Games as they have access to larger events. The Saskatchewan Games is the largest multi-sport event for provincial athletes bringing into the hosting community: 1,500 to 2,000 athletes; 330-380 coaches; 150 officials; and 1,200 volunteers. Add to this number 5,000 plus visitors who will bring the host community between 4-7 million dollars. Participants come from 250 plus communities, making this a truly provincial event.
This year's Winter Games are intentionally being led by a strong contingent of women. Additionally the Committee is prioritizing Indigenous involvement and multi-cultural inclusion. The Games provide a wonderful, encouraging, safe and inclusive event. Participants at the Games are selected from 9 sport, culture and recreational districts in the province. The Games have 4 goals which serve as a focus for the activities - Leadership, Inclusion, Fun, and to Thrive -"... creating conditions for growth and the achievement of dreams".
In concluding his presentation, Mark, spoke about some of the special features of these winter games which included: i) 16 % of the competitors are indigenous; ii) the games establish a pathway to future participation in Canada Games, Olympics; iii) provides opportunity for corporate sponsors to serve their communities; iv) can provide opportunity for service clubs involvement with volunteers and/or money.
Mark Bracken noted that he was passionate about the Saskatchewan Games and from his presentation, we came to realize he was right.
Thank you, Mark, for what you do to encourage young athletes to dream and take steps to have these realized.
Mark Bracken, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Games Council
Ingredients of a successful Rotary Club
Past District Governor Barton Goldenberg feels running a great Rotary club is a lot like baking a cake. It takes the right mix of ingredients. An expert chef knows when to mix it up and make changes. Goldenberg shares the five ingredients every club needs to be successful in a blog post for Rotary Voices.
Cake Ingredients
1. A unique club identity
2: Engaging club meetings
3. A robust, member-driven service program
4. A desire to socialize with others
5: Strong leadership
Click here Read more, then discuss in your Rotary committee: i) how we are doing in Regina Eastview; and, ii) what we could do to enhance our “successful factor”. This could be an exciting discussion.
The Family of Rotary
Great news from Jean-Marc who said that his father is making good progress in regaining his health - he is back to eating, which is a wonderful sign of improvement;
The family of Rotary is an international treasure, and today we shared in its wonder as Jacqueline from Uganda reached out to Allen Hillsden who invited her to our meeting. It was within 30 seconds that Jacqueline and Zarin Zavery, who was born and raised in Uganda, were tracing heritage looking for a connection - Rotary, "doing good in the world";
Donna Parry's Birthday was happening, and we did her the courtesy of not singing - but we none the less wish you a day of blessings, Donna.
Ham Selling Time
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
President Pat Dell provided leadership on all aspects of the meeting, serving as President, philosopher, Sergeant-At-Arms;
In the absence of Sergeant Richard, raising money by mimicking his approach, led to more conversation than money;
Happy dollars were generated because;
Charles Sadzamare's grandson was celebrating his 10th Birthday;
Sam Berg told us that last weekend they celebrated their granddaughter's first birthday;
Russ Parry was pumped up to tell us that on the 18th of October he is leaving trucking and joining Bendz Real Estate group;
The RC of Weyburn is celebrating their 100th Anniversary on September 29, 2021 - the celebration was delayed for over a year because of COVID - it is happening this coming Wednesday;
Have wonderful 2 weeks of fall (autumn), let us look forward to seeing one another on October 7th.
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“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” Dolly Parton
Today's guests
It was great to be joined by 3 guest for today's meeting. Guest Speaker Mark Brachen, PDG Fred Wright from the Rotary Club of Kenora, and Jacqueline, a Rotarian from Kampela, Uganda.
