REGINA — The score is finally even between rival cities Saskatoon and Regina after the second installment of the vaccination challenge, as Saskatoon claimed victory this weekend.
In a friendly competition instigated by the two Saskatchewan mayors, both cities agreed to keep track of who could administer more first or second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The first installment took place from June 17 to June 30, where Regina took the crown and defeated Saskatoon in delivering the most vaccines per capita.
As the losing party, Mayor Charlie Clark filmed and posted a lip-sync video to a song chosen by YQR Mayor Sandra Masters — “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” by Captain Tractor.
But this time, following a month-long campaign during July, Saskatoon emerged victorious over the Queen City after calling for a re-challenge based on total doses.
“Thank you to everyone in Saskatoon who rolled up your sleeve, literally, to get vaccinated,” said Mayor Clark. “It is protecting your loved ones and helping keep our community be safe. I also was concerned about giving Regina bragging rights, so you’ve also helped us redeem the good name of our city. I know Mayor Masters is going to rock her lip-sync!”
Saskatoon delivered a total of 69,166 vaccines to residents, including 8,333 first- and 60,833 second-dose vaccines. Following the vaccination blitz, nearly 75 per cent of the city has a first dose and almost 65 per cent has a second dose.
Regina trailed behind with a total of 52,709 doses delivered, or 6,319 first and 46,390 second doses. This puts the city at 77 per cent of residents having received a first dose and 68.5 per cent having received a second dose.
Masters graciously accepted the defeat, which likely didn’t feel too bad after her city’s earlier victory in the first round.
She was tasked with sharing a lip-sync video to the 1988 hit “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock, to remind people that two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are needed for full effectiveness.
“Two vaccines ensure we can get back inside this winter with confidence,” said Mayor Masters. “I’d like to see Regina’s population hit 85% double vaccinated. The wellbeing of our community depends on the commitment of each resident to get both doses.”
Masters began filming her lip-sync video this week with local production company TandeMX Visuals. The crew was on site to shoot a portion of the video in downtown Regina on Tuesday, where Masters invited local residents to moonlight as her hype crowd.
“I love a contest and I plan to win at losing,” said Masters. “Stay tuned for a video coming to a screen near you mid-August.”
No third challenge has yet to be issued from either mayor, but both Clark and Masters are continuing to urge residents to seek vaccination.
So, the question remains: will there be a tie-breaker to settle the score?
