From left to right: Preslie Cowan, Nikki Linfitt and Coach Emilie Johnson. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Youth sports

PA gymnasts named to Lakeland Winter Games squad

Nov 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM

The Saskatchewan Winter Games are a little more than two months away, and Team Lakeland has confirmed its team of gymnasts will include two girls who train at the Aerials Gynmastics Club in Prince Albert.

Neither Preslie Cowan nor Nikki Linfitt have competed at the games, and while admitting to paNOW they were feeling a bit nervous, they were also equally excited about the opportunity that awaits them.

“Just do it and just go for it,” Linfitt said.

The Winter Games will be held at Flying Dust First Nation and the City of Meadow Lake Feb. 15 to 26, 2026.

The girls who will compete in floor, beam, vault and bars, train four nights a week for more than four hours at a time. Their coach is Emilie Johnson who has experience competing at the games in soccer.

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“It is lovely to be back at the games as a coach. I feel I can be a positive role model to these girls,” she said.

Johnson added the opportunity for the girls to compete is very encouraging.

While the Gymnastics tryouts just took place on Monday, most other sports are in their selection period right now with upcoming tryouts, and final team selections for all sports will be announced by the end of January. Artistic Swimming has been selected. Prince Albert’s Asher Barber, who trains with the Pikes, will compete as a solo athlete.

Cross Country/Para Nordic Skiing

• Age category: 10-15 YOA (Born 2010-2015)
• Tryouts: December 13-14, Saskatoon

Curling

• Age category: 11-17 YOA (Born on or after January 1, 2009)
• Tryouts: January 9, Hudson Bay

Figure Skating

• Age category: 10-18 YOA (Born 2008-2015)
• Tryouts: December 5-7, Yorkton (province-wide tryouts)

Judo

• Age category: 11-15 YOA (Born 2011-2014)
• Tryouts: January 11, Melfort

Target Shooting

• Age category: 12-18 YOA (Born 2008-2014)
• Tryouts:
  • Novice Airgun Learn to Shoot & Competition: December 6, Saskatoon ($40)
  • Sask Games Playdowns: January 10, Saskatoon ($30)

Weightlifting

• Age category: 10-18 YOA (Born 2008-2016)
• Athletes must submit Expression of Interest form by January 1, 2026 and have competed in at least one sanctioned competition between October 1, 2024 and January 24, 2026 to be eligible for selection

Wrestling

• Age category:13-16 YOA (Born 2010-2013)
• Tryouts: January 14, Prince Albert
• For information and to register, contact saskvalleybearswrestling@gmail.com

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell