55 Plus Games

2019

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2 MANITOBA 55+ GAMES presented by PLAYNOW | SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Welcome to scenic Swan River! The thriving town, located about 500 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, is gearing up to welcome hundreds of visitors for the 2019 Manitoba 55+ Games presented by PlayNow.com, set for June 11-13. Tucked in a valley between the Duck Mountains and Porcupine Mountains, Swan River boasts ample outdoor recreation opportunities. Although the town's population is a smidgen over 4,000 people, the community serves as a hub for the entire Swan Valley — and as a destination that draws visitors from both near and far. "We are known for our beautiful lakes within driving distance up in the various mountains and we enjoy exceptional fishing, camping and water sports," said Murray Mullin, chair of the host committee. "Those are well used by anybody who lives in the area as well as any visitors who come to the area." An 18-hole golf course is another popular attraction, along with picturesque walking trails along the river. The community also enjoys cheering on the Swan Valley Stampeders, a Junior A hockey club that plays in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. "In the wintertime, we have some of the best snowmobile trails in Canada, which are all serviced by a volunteer organization," Mullin said. "We also have the Thunderhill Ski Club, which is another volunteer organization that has made major improvements to our ski hill. It's used for cross-country and downhill skiing, as well as for mountain bike racing in the summer. Then down around the Swan Valley Museum, we have beautiful cross-country ski trails that are used by a lot of people." Swan River also annually hosts the four- day Northwest Roundup Rodeo and Exhibition. Every July, thousands come to check out chuckwagon races, rodeo and entertainment events, and the midway. The town is experienced in hosting large-scale events, particularly curling championships — and there's no shortage of locals who are willing to lend a hand. "We have a tremendous community, not just in Swan River but in the whole Swan Valley. Whenever anything is going on, it's a valley project and everybody gets involved. We've never, ever had a problem with getting people to volunteer," Mullin said. "We're very happy to host this event. We're trying to make it successful so people who are participating and visiting will enjoy themselves and want to come back to our community." The Swan River host committee has chosen "Life through Sport" as the slogan for the 2019 Games. The Games will likely attract involvement from about 100 to 125 volunteers, including some folks who will also participate in the events. "We're in the process right now of doing some fundraising. We're very fortunate that the business community steps up and helps out. Without them, we wouldn't be able to do these things," Mullin said. "Any time we're chosen to host an event, we want to showcase Swan River and the Swan Valley, so this gives us a great opportunity to do that. We've got some really good plans set up, not only for the competition but also for the entertainment. People are not only going to enjoy the competition but they're going to enjoy the time they have in Swan River." The community is looking forward to welcoming more than 600 participants for the 2019 Manitoba 55+ Games presented by PlayNow.com. "We're certain that we're going to show them a really good time while they stay here. We're hoping that lots of people will come so that we can make this as big an event as possible," Mullin said. "I'm very proud of our community because everybody steps up and we do such a good job. When people leave, hopefully they've enjoyed themselves and they'll come back to our community. We're looking forward to hosting it and we can't wait until the event gets here." Recently, the host committee of last year's 55+ Games received an award from Recreation Connections Manitoba which honoured the Glenboro 55+ Games Committee with the Award of Merit for its success in planning the 2018 Games in the communities of Glenboro, Carberry and Wawanesa. ❙ info@manitobaseniorcentres.com B E A C T I V E www.manitobaseniorcentres.com Find a centre near you Visit our website 204-792-5838 Join a centre in your area Exercise your body and brain to stay active and alive all year long. Centres are places where older adults come together to improve their health and quality of life, for services and programs, and to support personal independence and encourage involvement in community life. Visit our website today for a complete listing of Centres in Manitoba. We may have a Centre near you! Join a Centre Today! Be Active All A round! Are you interested in helping others in your community? You are invited to our free Volunteer Information Forum Tuesday, May 14th 5:00pm - 7:30pm Norwood Hotel 112 Marion St., Winnipeg, MB For more information or to register, visit us at www.osteoporosis.ca/MBVolunteer SWAN RIVER SET TO PLAY HOST BY JENNIFER MCFEE FOR THE FREE PRESS Swan River hosts the annual Northwest Roundup Rodeo and Exhibition and offers ample outdoor recreation opportunities. SUPPLIED PHOTOS

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