YXE Urban Games return to Saskatoon with sports, culture, community spirit

The YXE Urban Games are back in Saskatoon this weekend, transforming Victoria Park into a high-energy hub of sport, music and culture.

Stephanie Clovechok, CEO of Discover Saskatoon, joined the Evan Bray Show to talk about the event and give an update on Saskatoon tourism this summer.

“This is going to be Saskatchewan’s second-largest multi-sport and cultural festival,” she said. “It’s the only urban games event of its size in Canada – period.”

Listen to the full interview:

More than 1,000 athletes, dozens of artists and performers are taking part in the second year of the festival, which runs July 19-21.

The event features 11 competitive urban sports, including skateboarding, 3×3 basketball, dodgeball, disc golf, football and Ultimate Frisbee.

Festivalgoers can also experience dance battles, mural painting, live music and local food trucks, plus a beer garden and a family area where kids can try out new sports – or even hop in the river for some rowing.

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The Festival was the brainchild of Saskatoon’s Michael Linklater, a former Amazing Race Canada contestant and long-time community advocate. He pitched the idea after attending the World Urban Games and brought in Discover Saskatoon, who ran with the vision.

“Michael said, ‘Steph, I think we can do this in Saskatchewan,’ and he was right,” Clovechok said. “This year, over 100 volunteers are helping bring this event to life. The energy from our community is incredible.”

While the games are a major draw for tourists and residents alike, Clovechok said they also serve a deeper purpose.

A mentorship program running alongside the event has been working with at-risk and underrepresented youth over the past six weeks. Fourteen workshops prepared these participants to not only attend but take part in the festival as competitors, emcees, performers and greeters.

“These underrepresented youth are not just watching anymore – they’re part of the action,” she said. “We’re building a sense of belonging and giving them something to look forward to.”

The games are also expected to boost the local economy. Clovechok noted the value of hosting major events like this one, not just for visitor spending, but civic pride and national visibility.

“Our role at Discover Saskatoon is to generate demand for this destination,” she said. “We’ve got a compelling, creative city – and this is one more reason to visit.”

Tickets are $10 per day or $20 for the full weekend. Kids under six get in free. Full schedules and event details can be found online.

“It was great last year,” Clovechok said. “But this year, it’s bigger, better – and we hope even more people come out to experience what Saskatoon has to offer.