It just goes to show – Saskatchewan has what it takes to compete on the world stage.

Watched by millions on around the globe, the 2012 Summer Olympic Games have wrapped up but not without area residents bringing home an abundance of memories – AND even a few medals.

The Government of Saskatchewan issued a big thank you earlier this week to all of the Saskatchewan athletes who competed and represented the province “for being wonderful provincial and national ambassadors. Government also wishes to thank the coaches, officials and support staff from our province for their contributions to the Games.

“Congratulations, athletes, on a successful Summer Olympic Games,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. “Canada might be well-known for its winter sports, but you showed the world that our province and our nation produce skilled summer athletes, too. Coaches, officials and staff, thank you for your dedication to competitive sport.”

Three Saskatchewan athletes won Olympic medals that will be proudly displayed for all to remember anything is possible with a little perseverance, hard work and determination.

Rower Rachelle Viinberg (Regina) and her teammates won the silver medal in the Women’s Eight Rowing competition.

Kaylyn Kyle and Kelly Parker, both from Saskatoon, won bronze medals playing for the Canadian Olympic Women’s Soccer team. This is the first Summer Olympic team sport medal for Canada since 1936, when the Summer Olympic Games were held in Berlin.

Seven athletes hailing from Saskatchewan flew to London to compete for Canada. Cory Niefer (Saskatoon) competed in the Men’s 10-metre Air Rifle and 50-Metre Rifle Prone competitions. Krista Phillips (Saskatoon) played basketball for the Canadian Olympic Women’s Basketball team. Reuben Ross (Pilot Butte) competed in the Men’s Synchronized 3-Metre Springboard Diving competition. Brianne Theisen (Humboldt) competed in the Women’s Heptathlon.

Congratulations to all on a job well done!