Team Sask Flag Bearer Announced for the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games


SWIFT CURRENT, SK (August 18, 2019): Team Sask is pleased to announce that LAUREN MATAI of Saskatoon will lead Saskatchewan's contingent as the flag bearer for the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games Closing Ceremony on August 18.

Matai, 16, was the most decorated athlete of the Games' second phase, having earned four golds and one silver in Swift Current. The Saskatoon Rowing Club athlete made the podium in the following events:

  • GOLD: Women's single sculls
  • GOLD: Women's double sculls (with ELANA GELINEAU)
  • GOLD: Women's fours without coxswain (with ELANA GELINEAU, MAYA MARSHALL and MYA KELLN)
  • GOLD: Women's quadruple sculls (with ELANA GELINEAU, MEGAN KISH and MYA KELLN)
  • SILVER: Women's eight (with ELANA GELINEAU, MAYA MARSHALL, MEGAN KISH, STELLA MCLEOD, SARAH SWEET, MYA KELLN, CHELSEA DYCK, and MAYAH GOLDEN)

Matai's experiences and successes at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games will serve as a major stepping stone in her athletic career. Next year, she will look to be named to the Junior National Team representing Canada. As well, she will be eligible to compete for Team Sask at the 2021 Canada Summer Games in Niagara Region, Ontario. Early on in her rowing career, Matai was an alternate for Team Sask at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but did not compete.

Matai is a member of the Saskatoon Rowing Club, and began competing in the sport only two and a half years ago. Her former coach at the club, JOHN HAVER, was instrumental in her development as an athlete, according to Team Sask Rowing Coach ANDREW KNORR.

QUOTES:
"Lauren has been an outstanding representative for our province at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games. Beyond her athletic achievements, we also recognize her leadership qualities and fit as a role model for the rest of Team Sask. We look forward to being a part of her future success as she moves on to the next Canada Summer Games in 2021."
MARK BRACKEN, Team Sask Chef de Mission

"Lauren's determination has paid off in terms of her performance with the team at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games regatta. She was able to draw out performances from her fellow teammates in the crew boats that she rowed, resulting in gold medals for herself and those that she rowed with."
ANDREW KNORR, Coach for Team Sask Rowing

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Karen Lawson, Communications Lead
Team Sask / Saskatchewan Games Council
E: klawson@saskgames.ca
C: (306) 529-3120