Approximately 500 competitors aged 55 and over made the Battlefords their destination from July 5 to 7.
They were here to take part in the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association 55+ Games, an event taking place in a dozen different venues throughout the Battlefords.
Events include cribbage, bridge, eight-ball, Kaiser, Scrabble, poetry writing, five-pin bowling, golf, swimming, slo-pitch, track and field and pickleball. It is a major undertaking for volunteers and in many respects is a prelude to other major events, such as the Saskatchewan Winter Games, that the Battlefords will be hosting in the near future.
The Games will also serve as a qualifier for competitors as they seek to head to Brampton, Ont. for the Canada 55+ Games later this year.
The opening ceremonies took place Tuesday at the Northland Power Curling Centre in North Battleford. Competitors from each of the regions were piped in for the grand entrance. The last to enter were the competitors from Rivers West, the host region.
Dignitaries were on hand to welcome all the participants to the Games.
“I welcome you on behalf of all of us in the city of North Battleford,” said Mayor Ian Hamilton of North Battleford.
“I’m looking forward to a lot of excitement going on, a lot of activity and just good sportsmanship that we’re looking forward to over the next three days.”
"I wish you all the best in your competitions this week," said Mayor Derek Mahon of Battleford. He also pointed out the volunteers in the orange T-shirts in the hall and thanked them for their efforts at the Games.
"Exercise, physical activity and social interaction are among the healthiest things you can do for yourself," said Randy Weekes, MLA for Biggar-Saskatchewan Valley, who brought greetings representing the Government of Saskatchewan. He stressed the importance of people staying active as they age.
“I want to commend the SSFA for their continued promotion of active living, wellness and participation. These games are an example.”
Weekes also repeated the familiar saying: "We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing,"
It fell to Margaret Gailing, president of the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association, to say the words everyone was waiting to hear: "I will now declare that the 55+ Games are officially opened!"
