Active Aging

4 ACTIVE AGING WEEK OCTOBER 1-7, 2019 No matter how much you've achieved, isn't your true lasting legacy tied to the impact you've had on the lives you've touched? We help you create memories that enlighten, encourage, surprise and even transform those who matter to you. So ask yourself: How will you be remembered? For more information, visit cropo.com Accumulate the capital that matters most. For more information, visit cropo.com 2 locations to serve you 1442 Main Street and 1800 Day Street Accumulate the capital That's because the Games are usually held in rural centres outside the perimeter highway. Examples include the past two hosts: Glenboro (2018) and Swan River (2019). Awareness and participation are expected to surge in 2020, as the annual competition — in which active folks age 55 and older come together to compete in sports such as pickleball, softball, curling and more — will be held in Selkirk, June 16-18, less than 30 minutes from Winnipeg. "We're really excited about hosting the Games," says Deborah Vitt, who's serving as co-chair of the 2020 Manitoba 55+ Games with Gerry Hamm. "They're going to be closer to Winnipeg, which is going to make it that much easier to get out to the Games for competitors, volunteers and spectators." Hamm — the former president of Selkirk's Gordon Howard Centre, the hub of 55-plus activity in the city of 10,000-plus — says being so close to Winnipeg is going to make for a high level of participation. "We're expecting more than 1,000 participants. More than ever, the Games are going to give folks over the age of 55 an opportunity to do something physical and socialize, and show that staying active can help you maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit well past the age of 55." Hamm adds that even though the Games are about nine months away, the foundation has already been laid for the event. "The host committee is set up, and we're already into planning the opening ceremony, events, closing ceremonies, and providing accommodations for competitors and visitors," says Hamm. "All sports venues are in place, with most of them in Selkirk." And while the Games will be held in Selkirk, the host committee has already made it clear they will be a collective effort. "We want to include everyone, so we've already approached the City of Selkirk, the rural municipalities of St. Clements and St. Andrews, and the Lord Selkirk School Division," says Vitt. "The city's offered us the use of many city facilities, and Lord Selkirk is going to let us use the track and indoor pool at the local school for the track and swimming competitions." Lee Hanson, executive director of the Gordon Howard Centre, says the Manitoba 55+ Games will be a showcase for both the athletes and Selkirk itself. "With 22 events, the Games will showcase a high level of competition and the great facilities we have here," he says, adding that a volunteer rally will be held at the centre on Oct. 9, 6-9 p.m. "We're hoping making the Games more accessible will make for a great turnout and encourage future participation. People enjoy the experience so much they come back every year." Lois Dudgeon who's served as Manitoba's team manager for the Canada 55+ Games since 2002, says participation in the Games is growing both provincially and nationally. "We're expecting a big increase in the number of participants, supporters and spectators," she says. "It's a real boost holding the Games closer to the city. More people will compete, watch, be inspired — and become aware of what a great event it is." She says the Games are about three things. "The event is about fun, friendship and fitness. While there's a lot of competition, it's also about camaraderie. That said, we'll be using the event to form our team for the 2020 Canada 55+ Games, which will be held in Kamloops, B.C., Aug. 25-28. Competition for spots will be keen." Karyn Heidrick, Active Aging in Manitoba's (AAIM) Games Co-ordinator, says the 2020 Games in Selkirk will feature an ideal balance between competition and camaraderie. "Some competitors may be first-time participants, while many come for the fun of the Games — good times and friends — without taking the competition too seriously," she says. "On the other side of things, some participants use the Games as motivation toward achieving personal goals and staying active throughout the entire year." For more information on how to get involved in the Manitoba 55+ Games, visit activeagingmb. ca/55games/about-the-games. Show off those skills BY TODD LEWYS Over the past decade, the Manitoba 55+ Games have been one of the province's best kept sports secrets, at least in Winnipeg. Parade day promoted next year's 55+ Games in Selkirk. Photo by Deborah Vitt

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