The Saskatchewan Roughriders were proud to invest in
amateur football throughout Saskatchewan in 2017.
“It is extremely important to our organization that we
provide valuable support to amateur football programs throughout the province,”
stated Craig Reynolds, Riders President & CEO. “Our partnership with
Football Saskatchewan and its members has allowed us to help grow the game of
football at the grassroots and amateur level, making football accessible to
youth of all ages.”
In 2017, the Club assisted
Saskatchewan-based football programs with financial support in excess of
$600,000, provided thousands of in-kind donations and prizes, and participated
with over 100 hours of Rider player appearances at youth camps, games and
practices.
“Football Saskatchewan owes a debt of gratitude to the
Saskatchewan Roughriders for their past and continued commitment to all levels
of amateur football,” stated Jeff Yausie, Football Saskatchewan Executive
Director. “Through their varied initiatives dedicated to our groups often
underrepresented in the sport such as women, First Nations’ communities and new
Canadians, the Riders have elevated the game to one all Saskatchewan residents
can relate to, not just for its athleticism, but for its spirit. Thanks to the Saskatchewan
Roughriders, amateur football has expanded not just the depth of its base, but
the breadth as well, resulting in increased access to grassroots talent from
corner to corner in the province.”
Roughrider donation highlights:
Game Day 50/50
The Club donated over $530,000 of 50/50 earnings from 10 2017 home games
to the University of Regina Rams, University of Saskatchewan Huskies, Regina
Thunder, Saskatoon Hilltops, Regina Riot, Saskatoon Valkyries and Football
Saskatchewan.
Riders & Dream Community Fund
The Club donated $83,000 towards capital projects to assist with the
upgrading of existing football facilities or building new ones across five
communities in Saskatchewan through the Centennial Legacy Fund.
Grey Cup Legacy Project
The Club donated 5,000 seats and required structure
from Historic Mosaic Stadium to SMF Field at Gordie Howe Bowl in Saskatoon. The
donation of the seats to SMF Field is valued at over $4
million.
The Club also donated 1,000 more seats from Historic
Mosaic Stadium to seven other sports and culture programs across the province.
Youth Flag Football
The Club provided $15,000 of sponsorship to four youth
flag football leagues – two in Regina, one in Saskatoon and one in Moose Jaw.
The Club also supplied the over 7,000 participants of these leagues with
backpacks and water bottles.
Grassroots
Contributions
The Club held five football camps introducing over 500 youth
participants to football, partnered with Football Saskatchewan on the
Pass-Punt-Kick program, and Rider players made over 50 separate appearances at
various camps, games and practices.
(Riders Press Release)
