Shaunavon football field among finalists for $250,000 prize

A woman from Shaunavon, Sask. who entered the high school football field into the Kraft Heinz Project Play contest was elated to discover her community is in the running for the $250,000 grand prize.

The contest awards money for recreational facility upgrades. As one of the final four finalists, the field at Shaunavon High School will receive at least $25,000.

“Disbelief, actually,” Rachelle Dordu said of her reaction. “We’re just so shocked and happy and thrilled and very excited that maybe we can get some of the upgrades done that are needed.”

Those upgrades would include bleachers, locker rooms, washrooms and an insulated sound booth.

Dordu said right now hundreds of residents can come out to watch sports at the field, with lawn chairs or blankets in tow because there’s only seating for about 30.

Portable toilets need to be rented because there are no washrooms.

As for the athletes, their locker room is more like a garden shed.

Despite the lack of amenities, Smith Field is a hub for the community located about 110 kilometres southwest of Swift Current, hosting minor football, soccer and track and field.

“That’s why we really wanted to upgrade this facility so it is more spectator-friendly, community-friendly,” Dordu said. “(Seniors) even use our track to walk around.”

From Oct. 13 to 19, Canadians are being asked to vote online for the project they deem to be the most deserving.

The grand prize winner will be announced on TSN and RDS on Oct. 28 during halftime of the football game between the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes.

Among those who’ve tweeted to urge support for their hometown, women’s hockey great Hayley Wickenheiser and Vancouver Canucks prospect Kole Lind.

The other three projects that made the final four include: a new playground at St. Peter Elementary in Penbrooke, Alta., an accessible baseball field for the Challenger Baseball League in Belleville, Ont., and a skatepark in Antigonish, N.S.