Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are dedicated to supporting mental health for youth
Saskatchewan Polytechnic joined the Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic on February 3, 2024, a community event aimed at raising funds to support the mental well-being of youth in Saskatchewan. The game lineup showcased both current and past Roughrider greats, alongside esteemed celebrity guests, with the addition of a couple of Sask Polytech representatives. Demonstrating their commitment to the cause, Sask Polytech’s School of Business, School for Continuing Education and Alumni and Donor Engagement department all rallied together to lend their support.
“Community and industry partnerships are key to the success of our programs,” says Stephen Kirzinger, program head for the Business diploma sport management specialty. “The Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic is a meaningful opportunity to give back and make a positive impact in our province. We look forward to continuing to build our partnership with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation and other sport organizations in the province to support their success and provide meaningful learning opportunities for our students.”
“This event isn't just about hockey; it's uniting our community towards a common goal of supporting mental health for youth,” says Sarah Fedirko, director of Alumni and Donor Engagement. “Through our involvement, we are able to connect with our alumni in a fun way while also helping to ensure brighter futures for generations to come.”
"We are thrilled to be part of Team Lauther for the Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic,” says Gerry Youzwa, director of Training Solutions for Continuing Education. “Saskatchewan is known worldwide as Rider Nation and since 2020 Sask Polytech has been a proud educational partner with the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) and Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) helping members and their families meet their educational and career goals outside of football. The Winter Classic is another way we are supporting the CFLPA and CFLAA.”
Participating in the Winter Classic not only benefits the community and promotes mental wellness among youth but also fosters valuable connections that could lead to future work-integrated learning opportunities for Sask Polytech students, an opportunity to connect with alumni and to connect with CFLPA members. By engaging in this event, Sask Polytech is actively forging relationships with various sport organizations, opening doors for potential internships, work-integrated learning experiences and industry collaborations.
Thank you to everyone who made this event a great success.
The CFLPA Academy has a longstanding partnership with Sask Polytech, enabling CFL players and their spouses to further their education through continuing education programs. This partnership provides CFLPA members opportunities to earn diplomas, certificates, degrees and micro-credentials. CFLPA members also have access to proactive career counseling and preparedness to prepare them for their careers after football.