16-year-old dual athlete will lead Team Sask to Canada Summer Games

A total of 377 Saskatchewan athletes from 92 communities across 19 disciplines are all going for gold at this year's Canada Summer Games in St. John's.

Of those 377 elite athletes, only one holds the flag of Saskatchewan, a symbol of the province's spirit and strength.

Sixteen-year-old Hayden Kot is Team Sask's flag bearer, the official representative of the province during the ceremonies. Beyond that, she's going for gold in both basketball and volleyball.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, going to Canada Summer Games, let alone being named the flag bearer," said Kot. 

"I'm just so excited. I'm so excited to go, and just being able to bring my team alongside me is just super special … We're so tight knit in Saskatchewan. We have such a great culture and honestly, the fact that everybody is supporting everybody is just so nice to see."

Garrett Kot, Hayden's father, was also a multi-sport athlete who competed in volleyball at the 1993 Canada Summer Games in Kamloops, B.C. He now coaches basketball at Kot's high school, and trains with his daughter constantly. 

"Sports are so important to me because I kind of learned everything there: how to be a good person, how to trust people, how to be patient with people," said Kot.

"Honestly, it's shaped me so much that I don't know who I would be without sports. All my best friends are from my sports, and I don't know where I would be without it ... it guides me so much, and it just helps me as a human understanding things."

This is Kot's second year playing volleyball for Team Sask, and her fourth year playing basketball. Last year, she missed out due to a broken ankle.

"You're never going to get this opportunity again, so I just think making the most of what I have is just the best thing. I'm looking more towards basketball in post-secondary, but being able to contribute to both of them in my future is probably my biggest goal."

East coast-bound athletes will be accompanied by 85 members of the coaching staff and 26 mission staff, bringing the total team contingency to 488.

Alana Ross, Saskatchewan Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport says that between her ministry and Sask Lotteries, a total of $1.6 million worth of funding went to Team Sask this year.

"It really encourages them to strive for success, which really will help them in the future as well. That's another advantage to sport and competing and to learn if you work hard, there's positive outcomes."

Team Sask reached a total medal count of 32 at the last Canada Summer Games in Niagara in 2022. Officials say they are looking to land at about 5th place overall, near provinces with similar populations.

"We're small, but we're mighty, and you see that in so many areas. We've had so many successful athletes coming out of our province. If we're focusing on the sports, how can you help, but to be proud of them and proud of Saskatchewan."

Notable Team Sask alumni include Catriona Le May Doan, Mark McMorris, Emily Clark, Rylan Wiens, Shelby Newkirk, and Carissa Norsten. The 2025 Canada Summer Games will run from Aug. 8-25 in St. John's.