• Golf Saskatchewan will continue to add to and develop this area of our programming in 2023.
• We want everyone to know, golf is a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for all.
• The eligibility language for the 2023 Golf Saskatchewan competitions now includes transgender and non-binary individuals are welcome and encouraged to compete.
• In April of 2021, Golf Saskatchewan passed a new set of bylaws with gender neutral language.

The Tony Cote Summer/Winter Games formerly known as the Saskatchewan First Nation Summer/Winter Games was initiated in 1974 by Chief Tony Cote and the Council of the Cote First Nation and their membership.

They determined that the majority of First Nation youth under the age of 20 were excluded by mainstream sport systems. The inception of the Summer Games was to coincide with the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the signing of Treaty 4.

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band hosted the last Tony Cote Summer Games with Eagle Point Golf Resort the site for the golf championship.

More details on the Tony Cote Games can be found here.

The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council is the International Governing Body for the NAIG exercising exclusive jurisdiction, either directly or through its affiliate members or committees, over all matters pertaining to the Games. It ensures the purposes and philosophies are reflected in all aspects of the games.

The NAIG Council is the principle authority for policy development, rules and regulations for the North American Indigenous Games.

The NAIG Council works in a manner which is consistent with the cultural, spiritual and traditional values of the peoples it is representing. In their activities they promote and encourage holistic individual development that assures mental, physical, emotional and spiritual growth.

To see a recap of the 2023 golf event at NAIG, click here.

The next NAIG Games are scheduled for 2027 in Calgary.

Golf Saskatchewan owns three SoloRider adaptive golf carts. The cart is used for amputees or people with mobility issues, spinal cord injuries or impacted by aging.

The SoloRiders are housed at the Silverwood Golf Course and Holiday Park Golf Course in Saskatoon and the Melfort Golf and Country Club.  Transporting the carts for special events is possible with permission from Golf Saskatchewan.

For more information on SoloRiders click here.

The SoloRiders have provided Saskatchewan golfers with chances to return to the course or try the sport for the first time. Their stories are below.

• SoloRider making memories for Mazurak
• Spinal Cord Inc. hosts golf tournament
• SCISask raising awareness
• Pete Andrews back in the game
• SoloRider introduced to Silverwood

Testimonials from actual SCI* golfers:

Investments such as the SoloRider elevate life experiences for persons with SCI and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation.

Adaptive technologies – like the SoloRider – allow persons with SCI and other physical disabilities to stay active within the community, and to continue with activities that may have been enjoyed pre-injury. These adaptive technologies also allow individuals with SCI and other physical disabilities to enjoy new experiences and participate in inclusive activities.

To quote four of our clients regarding different adaptive technologies that allow them to continue to participate in sport and recreation:

“I have been more a social golfer, and this will be helpful for me to go out with people once in a while, hit the ball, and hopefully not lose too much money.” – North Battleford’s Ron Inkster

“It’s a way to be active, doing something I really love with friends and family.” – SCI Sask Client DB

“It’s given me something to wake up and strive for every day.” – SCI Sask Client BL

“I find it easier to hit with one hand compared to two.” – SCI Sask Client KF

Without adaptive technologies, many individuals with SCI and other physical disabilities would not have the opportunities to continue being involved in activities they love.

*SCI – spinal cord injury

Special Olympics Saskatchewan has been working with children, youth and adults with an intellectual disability for over fifty years. Special Olympics offers year-round sports programming for over 1,200 athletes in 16 communities across Saskatchewan.

Their Mission: Special Olympics Saskatchewan is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability through sport.

Their Vision:  Our vision is that sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities all over the world.

Each year the Nipawin chapter of the organization hosts golf lessons and a year end celebration at the Evergreen Golf Course. You can read more about the events below.

• Smiles all around
• Special O athletes take over Evergreen

Regina’s Taylor Carter is one of the most decorated Special O golfers in Saskatchewan. He has won a national medal and gold at the Special O World Games.

• • Carter looks back on Special O golf gold
  • Regina golfer golden in Nova Scotia

You can still play!

That’s the motto of Blind Golf Canada, the governing body for the sport in the nation. Blind Golf Canada’s mission is to develop and promote competitive golf and sportsmanship for blind and visually impaired golfers.

The International Blind Golf Association has 14 member countries with tournaments hosted across the globe. Canada hosts the Canadian Open Blind Golf Championship twice a year. Canada has also hosted the World Championship on two occasions, Winnipeg, Man. in 2002 and Truro, N.S. in 2012.

Saskatoon’s Gerry Nelson is one of the most accomplished blind golfers in the world. He is president of the national organization and sits on the international board.

To visit the Blind Golf Canada Website click here.

Saskatchewan also has a website devoted to blind sports, to visit their website click here.

• Nelson and Villeneuve win U.S. Open Blind Championship
• Nelson and Villeneuve chase U.S. Open Blind Golf Championship
• Nelson focused on World Blind Golf Championship
• Blind golfers practice in Saskatoon

Golfers with hearing impairments have opportunities to attend national and world championships.

The Canadian Deaf Sports Association (CDSA) oversees 13 sports including golf. The 2021 Canadian Deaf Golf Championship will be held on July 19-22, 2021 in Lasalle, Manitoba.

For more details on the CDSA click here.

Dissolution of the Canadian Deaf Golf Association can be read here.