The medal design template. (Screenshot/Saskatchewan Winter Games)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Medal contest

ML and FDFN: Help design the 2026 Sask. Winter Games medals

Feb 23, 2025 | 1:22 PM

Brimming with Flying Dust and Meadow Lake pride?

Residents of both communities have been called upon to design the medals that will eventually be worn by the champions of the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games.

According to Karen Lawson, games services and communications lead at the Saskatchewan Games Council, it was an organizing committee made up of Danene Kopperud, Cheryl Derocher, Kaitlin Harman and Brittani Dunsing who came up with the idea.

“The group of them sat down and wanted to find a way to engage with the communities,” the games manager said.

Residents of all ages are invited to join in by submitting designs that will then be crafted into the various medals.

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“I think it’s incredible, we’re really, really looking forward to hosting these games.”

The competition is officially underway and will wrap up on Mar. 31 and so far, the committee hasn’t received any and the games themselves are less than a year away.

“I think people are just starting to get the word out and start the design process,” said Dunsing.

I know in the past, all the medals from the different games have always been so great, but we really wanted to bring our community members into this.”

The committee members said they wanted the local creativity to flow and feature designs that people believe best represent the two communities – a collaborative and historic first for the games.

Those medals will then act as the showpiece for the 1,500 athletes from across the province who will be putting their best effort forward to win them.

“They brainstormed and decided that the community engagement aspect and maybe some culture will be presented within those medals – the one that is picked to be used,” Dunsing said.

According to the Games website, the winning designer is in for quite the VIP treatment. They will earn special recognition during the opening ceremonies, a games prize pack and of course, a commemorative set of their medals.

While the design concept is completely open to wherever moves the artists, the only stipulation is that the design must incorporate the Game’s “Running S.”

“I think there’s a ton of symbolism just with the unity of the two communities and everything that that represents,” said Lawson.

“There might be some great inspiration coming out of that.”

Meadow Lake has welcomed the games once before and it is the northernmost community to ever host. Given the flora and fauna of the region, artists may choose to find their muse in those elements.

“Anything that represents these communities would be beautiful to see.”

Design submissions may be emailed to Dunsing at, bdunsing@saskgames.ca or artists may also drop off their designs in person at the Flying Dust Band Office or Meadow Lake City Hall.

A judging panel from the Host Organizing Committee will select a winner at a future date.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: juleslovett.bsky.social