Premier Brad Wall, Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer, Parks, Culture, and Sport Minister Mark Docherty, and General Manager of Community Services with the City, Dean Robson, attending the press conference at Market Square for the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.

Swift Current has been officially chosen as the host community for the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.

With this being the fifth time Saskatchewan has hosted the games, athletes from across the country will be coming to the city to compete.

Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty, says while there were other communities that put in the bid, Swift Current worked hard to bring the games here.

"Swift Current pushed pretty hard in order to secure this, and we're pretty happy with not only the enthusiasm of the bid, but this city has already prooven that it can host big time athletic events, so we're looking forward to it," he said. "I think first and foremost this also gets to showcase our emerging athletes. This is one of those events that helps showcase our up and comers, and from here this is a springboard towards the Canada Games and national teams. I had the opportunity as a younger person to participate in Western Canada Games, and I  know how much of a thrill it is when you're young and participating. I think not only for athletes and parents but for this city and community, it's an exciting time."

Over 2500 athletes are expected to be coming to Swift Current for the games, which is big news for the City in terms of generating revenue from the event.

"Early estimates have about a $7 million injection into our community, so I think that's great," said Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer. "Obviously lots of shopping, lots of tourist activities and what not, but for a community our size this is our version of the Olympics. Lots to get excited about, athletes coming in from all over western Canada with their families, so another huge feather in our cap and our community should be really proud."

Hosting the games will cost the City about $600,000, with $300,000 being contributed in-kind which will leave time to budget for that contribution, said Schafer. "There will be lots of time to get ready for that, and obviously a huge cash injection to the province as well, which is great. I'm not sure about grants. As the Minister said, we're getting about $1.5 million from the province already, so maybe with that and our contribution that will be the amount, but I'm sure if there's grants, our team will find them."

Schafer says the City is equipped to handle the event, adding that the committee seemed to be impressed with most of the facilities in Swift Current, including its close proximity to Lake Diefenbaker and Lac Pelletier.

Swift Current has hosted world-class events in the past. With the 2016 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship in the bag and now the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games, the City will need the support of volunteers and the community.

"It's going to take an awful lot of volunteers. Communities count on volunteers and they count on people coming forward and helping, and not only that, but it's important to fill the stands in support of the athletes. For some of them, this is the biggest athletic competition of their lives. I'm hopeful, but I'm pretty confident that Swift Current is going to not only fill the stands, but provide more than enough volunteers," added Docherty.

As for planning, the next step for the City of Swift Current will be to attend and work with the hosts of the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games set to begin August 7th in Fort McMurray.