The Battlefords will be welcoming an expected 500 athletes aged 55 years and over next week.
They will be in the area for the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association Provincial 55+ Games July 5-7. It promises to be the first major sports undertaking of many for the Battlefords, as the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling arrives in 2017 and the Saskatchewan Winter Games in 2018.
At city council Monday, Councillor Ryan Bater, also executive director of Destination Battlefords, welcomed the games.
“We’re ready, and it’s going to be a great week,” said Bater, who added they were still accepting volunteers. The easiest way to find out about those opportunities is to call 306-445-2000.
The event will kick off with opening ceremonies on Tuesday, July 5 at 5:30 p.m., which will include a piper-led parade of the athletes.
A games banquet is to take place July 6 at 7 p.m. and closing ceremonies are Thursday, July 7 at 1 p.m. The venue for these three events will be the Northland Power Curling Centre.
As for the various games, they will take place in 12 venues across the Battlefords. A rundown of events is as follows:
Eight-ball will take place at DC’s Billiards on July 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and July 7 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Bridge (contract) takes place at Pioneer Hall between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. July 6.
Cribbage takes place at Don Ross Centre July 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and July 7 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Five pin bowling takes place at Gutters Bowling and Game Centre. The balls roll July 5 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., July 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and July 7 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Golf runs at North Battleford Golf and Country Club on July 5 from 10:22 a.m. to 4 p.m. and July 6 between 10:08 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Kaiser takes place at Don Ross Centre on July 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and July 7 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Poetry and short story writing happens at Northland Power Curling Centre on June 6.
Scrabble takes place at Don Ross Centre on July 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and July 7 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Slo-pitch will take place at the Battleford Flats on July 5 and 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and July 7 between 8 and 11 a.m. Slo-pitch coaches register first at Battlefords Flats Park at 8 a.m. followed by a coaches’ meeting at 8:15 a.m.
Swimming runs at Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre on July 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and July 7 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Track and field will be at Centennial Park track on July 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and July 7 between 9 and 11 a.m.
And pickleball takes place at NationsWEST Field House on July 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. and July 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Medal ceremonies will occur at various venues during the games.
Registration takes place for most events at Northland Power Curling Centre between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. July 5. Registration for golf is at least 30 minutes prior to tee time July 5.
