Although SaskTel is constantly working to connect communities to the world, it’s also making sure to help keep communities connected by investing its support in hundreds of charities and organizations across Saskatchewan.

And, while you’re probably used to seeing the SaskTel logo associated with high-profile sponsorships such as the Saskatchewan Roughriders or the Saskatchewan Rush, you may not be quite so familiar with its many investments in amateur sport throughout the province.

The benefits of amateur athletics reach beyond encouraging healthy lifestyles and teaching kids the value of hard work and perseverance,” said Jodine Smith, SaskTel Manager of Community Relations. “You can visit any town or city in this province and find examples of sports unique ability to bring people together.”

A prime example of how SaskTel helps sport connect people in the province is its long-term sponsorship of the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association (SHSAA). For well over a decade, SaskTel has sponsored the organization; helping to support high school sports and championship tournaments from badminton to wrestling and everything in between.

In the last year alone, this investment has translated into support for high school provincial championships hosted in every corner of the province. Just a few of the many examples include: Girls Curling in Ituna, Badminton in Weyburn, Golf in Estevan, Cross-Country in Turtleford, 1A Girls Volley Ball in Fox Valley, and most recently, Hoopla 2018 in Prince Albert where SaskTel took the extra step of making replays of the 5A Girls and Boys Championships available through its maxTV™ Local on Demand service.

“With these tournaments taking place virtually anywhere in the province, it can be heartbreaking for family and friends when they may not be able to travel to the competition and show their support,” said Michelle Klimchuk, SaskTel Local on Demand Manager. “It takes a tonne of hard work for these young athletes to reach the championship level, and we were super excited that we could record some of the games for all those wanting to watch them back home.”

Beyond its sponsorship of the SHSAA, SaskTel continues to help support youth athletics across the full spectrum of the amateur level. This ranges from organizations aimed at ensuring that all youth can participate in community sports programs such as KidSport Saskatchewan to those helping older youth and young adults reach the highest levels of amateur competition like the U of R Cougars and the U of S Huskies.

SaskTel operates all over Saskatchewan, and that means we have employees living virtually everywhere too,” said Jodine. “Giving back is one of the essential things that defines us as a company, and supporting youth athletics is one more way we can continue strengthening our communities by helping them maintain the special connections that only sport can provide.”

Each year SaskTel invests nearly $3 Million dollars supporting close to 900 non-profit and charitable organizations, community associations, venues, events and partnerships in more than 200 communities across Saskatchewan. Find out more about SaskTel’s commitment to the community here.