(This reflection was presented at the final banquet of the 2024 Knights of Columbus Indoor Games held Jan. 25-27 in Saskatoon; republished with permission)
By Larry Packet, State Deputy, Knights of Columbus Saskatchewan
The Knights of Columbus Saskatchewan Indoor Games is nothing but a memory now. The excitement, enthusiasm, great feelings and sense of hope remain in each of us as we journey home after this spectacular weekend. I want to thank all the Brothers of this province for their continued support of this event to ensure its success year after year. The donations and readiness to volunteer council-wide are testimony to the pledges you took to become a Knight.
No one knows the challenges faced by the board of these games to continue to deliver a well-run, on-time, classy professional event.
I commend the entire board for a terrific job in executing this weekend with professionalism, care, patience and focused vision – it was a gold-medal performance!
To the athletes who attended both provincial and international, it is an honour to host you at this event and thank you for your dedicated commitment year after year bringing your best performance with class and kindness.
The Special Olympics competitors: thank you for showing the world you can accomplish great things with determination, gratitude and trust in God by letting us see that quality of life is enriched with every breath we are given.
To all the teachers who so readily instructed the children to compete in the relays with vigour, vision and enthusiasm I thank you.
To the electric crowd who filled our stands with energy, good cheering and a sense of Saskatchewan spirit, we cannot continue these games without the support of all who attend which helps us to have a fund so we can start planning for next year, thank you.
To all those involved in sport in this province, sharing your passion with others who may never be given another chance to explore their dreams, desires and positive lifestyle – it’s appreciated – the impact you all are having on our communities is appreciated and it is changing so many lives it’s unbelievable. The entire Indoor Games not only is competition, it’s togetherness, it’s smiles, hope, it’s Fraternity and it’s Charity.
Thank you must be extended to our track officials, the Saskatoon Fieldhouse, the Sheraton Hotel, to the many sponsors who want to see the continued positive impact these games have on our communities – congratulations you are contributing 100 percent to this event’s success.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen, thank you for your inspiring words and for being among us with your busy schedule.
I am a very proud State Deputy today, yesterday and tomorrow of all the good I see happening for the betterment of society rooted in Faith, standing in Unity, forever enhancing Fraternity and constantly acting in Charity – Brother Knights Bravo – job well done!
Kyle Williams master of Ceremonies, Laura Young for helping, Gil Wist for guiding the board, Bob Wacholtz for the Saskatoon Chapter message, Harvey Granatier for greetings from the Saskatchewan Charitable Foundation, Jason Reindl for the execution of the “Comedy Commercial “ and everyone else who made this event the success it was — THANK YOU.
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