Team North earns Spirit Award at Winter Games - Prince Albert Daily Herald

Sports FacebookTwitterLinkedinCopy URL Photo Courtesy of Northern District for Sport, Culture and Recreation Team North received the Sask District Spirit Award. Nicole Goldsworthy Local Journalism Initiative Reporter SaskToday.ca NORTH — Team North delivered a proud and resilient performance at the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games, highlighted by a growing delegation, multiple medals in cross-country skiing and judo, and the Sask Milk District Spirit Award. Chef de mission Tonia Logan told SaskToday the 42 athletes, supported by 16 coaches and managers, represented northern communities “with tremendous respect, dignity and confidence.” Despite challenges tied to geography, travel and limited training opportunities, Logan said the team embraced every opportunity. Participation marked a significant increase from the 2023 Winter Games in Regina, where 27 athletes and 12 coaches and managers attended. Team North also brought 75 athletes to the 2024 Summer Games. “Regardless of the size of our delegation, what remains constant is the unwavering pride, resilience and determination our athletes demonstrate,” Logan said. Team North received the Sask Milk District Spirit Award, presented to the district that best combines competitive performance, sportsmanship, passion and fair play. The award reflects the Saskatchewan Games Council’s core values of inclusivity, passion, responsiveness and accountability. Karen Lawson of the Saskatchewan Games Council said the SaskMilk District Spirit Award is presented at the conclusion of each Saskatchewan Games to the district team whose athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff best combine competitive performance, good sportsmanship, passion and a spirit of fair play, cooperation and friendship. Just prior to the closing ceremony of each Saskatchewan Games, district teams cast a vote to nominate which one of their fellow district teams they believe best exemplifies the spirit of the Games. Congratulations, Northern Sport Culture and Recreation District! Logan said the recognition speaks to how athletes supported one another, celebrated successes and represented the North with integrity. Medal results for Team North were as follows: Wrestling Individual 44–49 kg male — Blake Charles-Spence — 6th Individual 56 kg female — Lydia Janvier — 8th Individual 67 kg female — Shenaya Moise — 4th Adrianna Lemaigre — scratched (injury) Team dual mixed — 8th Judo Newaza 53+ kg female — Genevieve Plante — BRONZE Individual 53+ kg female — Plante — 4th Komodo no Kata — Plante/Reynaud (North/SW) — 8th Badminton — 9th Figure skating (women’s freeskate) — 18th Futsal 5-aside Female — 9th Male — 9th Cross-country skiing Classic technique U12 female — Hedde Andrews — GOLD U12 male — Matthew Unrau — GOLD U12 female — Abigail Birkham — SILVER U12 male — Finn Potts — 10th U14 female — Charlotte Unrau — BRONZE U14 male — Ben Bayda — 5th U16 female — Case Bernardin — BRONZE U16 female — Amila Andrews — 4th U16 male — Deakon Anaka — 4th Free technique U12 female — Hedde Andrews — GOLD U12 male — Matthew Unrau — GOLD U12 female — Abigail Birkham — SILVER U12 male — Finn Potts — 8th U14 female — Charlotte Unrau — GOLD U14 male — Ben Bayda — 9th U16 female — Amila Andrews — SILVER U16 female — Casey Bernardin — BRONZE U16 male — Deakon Anaka — 5th Relays Female — North/Saskatoon (Casey Bernardin, Abigail Birkham) — BRONZE Female — North (Amila Andrews, Hedde Andrews, Charlotte Unrau) — 4th Male — North (Deakon Anaka, Ben Bayda, Finn Potts) — 5th Karen Lawson of the Saskatchewan Games Council said 1,582 participants attended the 2026 Winter Games, including 1,058 athletes from 203 communities — slightly higher than 2023 numbers. The 2026 Winter Games marked the first time a First Nation and city jointly hosted, with Flying Dust First Nation and Meadow Lake partnering throughout planning and delivery. Organizers noted positive feedback about the unity between the communities. The next Saskatchewan Summer Games will be held in Weyburn in 2028. Logan said beyond medals, the experience builds leadership and confidence. “Our athletes return home not only as competitors, but as leaders and role models,” she said. -Advertisement-