The Manitoba government is investing $4.4 million in the Westman region through the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund to 43 projects to increase access to high-quality arts, culture and sport programming to build stronger communities, Deputy Premier Cliff Cullen announced here today. “The Westman community is bursting with culture, art and sports, and these investments continue to build more vibrant spaces that are accessible and have a lasting impact,” said Cullen. “Today’s investment provides significant economic impact, while bringing together Westman communities.” The Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) Fund supports the development and renewal of spaces and facilities needed for arts, culture and amateur sport programming and activity. “Brandon and the entire Westman region serve as an important cultural and sports hub for Manitoba and investing in these communities supports the health and well-being of Manitobans,” said Cullen. “These investments advance key initiatives that encourage continued growth of our economy and support.” The City of Brandon received $2.5 million to upgrade the outdoor sports field complex including soccer fields, lighting, parking lot, clubhouse, site furniture and public announcement system though the Large Capital Grants Program. “On behalf of the City of Brandon, we thank the Manitoba government for their contributions in arts, culture, sports and heritage and making Brandon a stronger and more livable city than ever,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. The Large Capital Grants Program aims improve the quality, accessibility and availability of local facilities that support arts, culture and amateur sport activities and programs. This program funded two projects worth $3.0 million in the Westman region including Brandon Riverbank Inc. in upgrading the sculpture gardens, the Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester in building a new aquatic centre, and Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in upgrading the museum. The Small Capital Grants and Special Initiatives Program funded 33 projects worth $1.3 million in the Westman region, including Hockey Brandon to start subsidize children’s entry into hockey, Western Manitoba Regional Library to acquire more accessible furniture, and Rivers Train Station to install and repair two murals. These programs support initiatives such as organizational development opportunities, training, technology, volunteer and equipment development, and those opportunities that will increase participation and engagement in arts, culture or sport programming. For more information on the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund and to see the full list of projects receiving support, visit www.manitoba.ca/acsc.

The Western Open golf tournament returned to Brandon for the first time in 13-years and a pair of veteran golfers were victorious in claiming the two-man, flighted stroke play scramble. The tournament, held at the Wheat City Golf Course, got underway with a qualifying round Friday, followed by Saturday's flighted competition round. Ross Sheard + Kolby Day were crowned the tournament champions after posting rounds of 60 & 61 (121 total). Jarod Crane + Jordan Ludwig came in second place with a 126 total, followed by Jordan Trotter + Jared Jacobson at 128. Thirty-six teams took part in the tournament and the complete tournament results can be found here.

Following a very successful debut show in Brandon, Cloud 9 Wrestling will be making a return appearance to the Wheat City on Saturday, September 9th at the Great Western Roadhouse. The organization held an action packed six match card back on February 25, highlighted by a spirited main event pitting “Jacked Jesus” Tommy Lee Curtis against Canadian Hercules Tyler Colton. Cloud 9 based out of Minot, ND features the top stars from the American Midwest as well as the top stars from across Canada. Event info Doors open: 5:00PM Bell time: 6:05 PM Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door Kids 12 & Under $5 Advance tickets: c9wrestling.eventbrite.ca

Shanks Golf Brandon roughly 5 kilometers west of Brandon on the Trans Canada Highway is making very good progress. Owner Ross Sheard told BDNMB.CA that he expects to be fully operational before the end of November. Shanks will be very unique to Manitoba with a 300 yard year round driving range plus restaurant and bar. If you wish to apply for upcoming jobs you can check them out on Instagram. @shanks.golf.brandon

For the first time in 23 years, a Canadian Softball Championship (2023 U15 Girl's) will be held in Brandon from from August 9-13 at Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex. Twenty-Four teams from across the country will take to the diamond vying for the title, including the host club Westman Magic. Organizers are still looking to round out their volunteer shifts for the Canadian Championship, with a number of different volunteer opportunities available. For those who volunteer for 12hrs you will receive an entry pass for the whole tournament. For voluntgeeering opportunities please contact Alanna Black directly at allanablack9@gmail.com or 204-724-2228. Open Shifts Parking & 1 BBQ shift 8am-12pm Shifts that need filling Fri Parking 2 people Sat Parking 2 people Sun Parking 2 people 12pm-4pm Shifts that need filling Wed Parking 2 people Thur Parking 2 people Fri Parking 2 people Sat Parking 2 people Sun Parking 2 people 4pm-8pm Shifts that need filling Fri Parking 2 people Sat Parking 2 people Sat BBQ 1 person GameChanger Shifts Wed Aug 9 8:30am & 10:30am 1:00pm 2:30pm Thur Aug 10 10:00am & 12:00pm & 2:00pm Fri Aug 11 10:00am & 12:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm & 4:30pm 3:00pm & 5:00pm Sat Aug 12 8:45am 9:00am 1:30pm 5:30pm Sun Aug 13 10:30am Scoreboard Shifts Wed Aug 9 1:00pm Fri Aug 11 9:30am & 11:30am & 1:30pm 12:30pm & 3:00pm 1:30pm & 3:30pm Sat Aug 12 8:30am & 10:30am & 1:30pm & 3:30pm & 5:30pm 8:45am & 1:30pm & 3:30pm & 5:30pm 9:00am & 1:30pm Sun Aug 13 10:00am 10:30am Announcer Shifts Wed Aug 9 9:00am 9:00am & 11:00am 12:30pm & 2:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm Thur Aug 10 4:00pm Fri Aug 11 9:30am & 11:30am & 1:30pm 12:00pm & 2:00pm 5:30pm Sat Aug 12 8:45am & 10:45am 1:30pm & 3:30pm5:30pm 8:45am 3:30pm 9:00am 1:30pm Sun Aug 13 10:00am 10:30am 3:00pm