The Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association has selected the Battlefords as the host community for the Saskatchewan 55+ Games in 2016.
“On behalf of the SSFA organization, I am pleased to announce the Provincial 55+ Games will be held in the Battlefords, July 5, 6, & 7, 2016,” stated SSFA Provincial Games Chairperson and President Margaret Gailing.
“The last time the Battlefords hosted the games was in 2002 and they were a success. The community support was overwhelming and participants had a good time. I expect the same will happen in 2016. These games provide individuals of all ages with opportunity to participate in activities in a friendly competition.”
The games are held every two years and are expected to attract at least 650 participants from across Saskatchewan. Plans are to include 18 events: golf, bowling, contract bridge, cribbage, pickleball, ice curling, Kaiser, poetry and short story writing, swimming, Scrabble, bocce, whist, bank shuffleboard, eight-ball, slo-pitch, track and field, tennis and ice hockey. Many of these events are a qualifier for participation in the Canada 55+ Games in Brampton, Ont. in 2016.
“Hosting the 55+ Provincial Games is a great opportunity to showcase our recreation facilities to the rest of the province,” said North Battleford mayor Ian Hamilton. “The majority of people participating in this event have not seen the facilities at the Credit Union CUplex and we want those people to go home and spread the message about all there is to see and do here,” said Hamilton.
“We are looking forward to hosting all the 55+ athletes and their families and friends in July of 2016,” said Battleford mayor Derek Mahon. “Congratulations to the committee on your successful bid and we are proud to host and show Saskatchewan the great facilities and hospitality of the Battlefords.”
The bid to host the 55+ Games was prepared by Destination Battlefords and recruitment is now underway for the organizing committee. Anyone who is interested in getting involved with the games is invited to contact Destination Battlefords at 306-445-2000.
