The Regina sports community is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated champions. Pete Paczko, whose unwavering commitment to local athletics spanned over five decades, passed away last week at 78, leaving behind a profound legacy that transcends scoreboards and championship titles.
“Pete wasn’t just part of Regina’s sports scene—he helped build it from the ground up,” said former colleague and longtime friend Sandra Morelli. “He believed that sports could transform lives, especially for young people who needed direction and community.”
Paczko’s journey began in 1968 when he established the Regina Youth Sports Foundation, an organization that has since provided equipment, coaching, and financial support to thousands of underprivileged children. What started as a small operation run from his garage eventually grew into one of Saskatchewan’s most impactful sports charities.
His vision extended beyond accessibility. Paczko was instrumental in developing Regina’s east side recreational facilities, successfully lobbying city officials for the construction of the Eastview Community Centre in 1984, which now bears his name following a 2015 dedication ceremony.
“Pete understood the politics of sports funding better than most career politicians,” noted City Councillor Martin Greenberg. “He could walk into a budget meeting with nothing but passion and conviction and walk out with funding commitments. That was his superpower.”
Those who worked alongside Paczko recall his remarkable ability to unite diverse community groups. He regularly brought together business leaders, local politicians, and community volunteers, creating partnerships that sustained many sports programs through economic downturns.
Regina’s current sports landscape bears Paczko’s fingerprints everywhere. The annual Regina Marathon, which now attracts runners from across Canada and beyond, was his creation in 1991. The tournament has raised over $3.2 million for local children’s hospitals and sports programs.
Perhaps most significant was his dedication to inclusivity long before it became a mainstream concern. In 1977, Paczko established Regina’s first adaptive sports program for children with physical disabilities, an initiative that has since evolved into a provincial network serving hundreds of athletes.
“Pete saw potential in everyone,” explained Amara Johnson, current director of the adaptive sports program. “He used to say that the only disability in sports was a bad attitude. He made sure everyone had a place to play, compete, and belong.”
His impact extended to individual lives as well. Former NHL player and Regina native Derek Paulson credits Paczko with changing the trajectory of his life. “I was a troubled kid heading down the wrong path. Pete didn’t just give me hockey equipment—he gave me purpose and believed in me when no one else would.”
The outpouring of tributes from across the sports world reflects Paczko’s extraordinary reach. Messages have arrived from professional athletes, community coaches, and countless individuals whose lives were touched by his generosity and vision.
While Paczko’s physical presence will be missed at local games and tournaments, his influence remains embedded in Regina’s sporting culture. The Pete Paczko Memorial Scholarship, established this week, will ensure his legacy continues by supporting promising young athletes facing financial barriers.
As Regina reflects on this remarkable life, perhaps the most fitting tribute would be to consider Paczko’s frequent challenge to his community: In what ways can we use sports not just to build better athletes, but to build a better society?
