Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1465375
3 MANITOBA 55+ GAMES presented by PLAYNOW | SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022 SAFETY & SECURITY • Elder Abuse Prevention • Safe Suite Program • Older Victim Services • SafetyAid: Falls Prevention • This Full House – addresses Hoarding Disorder SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT • Senior Centre Without Walls • Connect Program • Senior Immigrant Settlement Services COUNSELLING SERVICES • Counselling • Information & Referral • Intake • Housing • Legal Services Providing innovative programs and services to older adults since 1957 CONTACT INFORMATION: A & O: Support Services for Older Adults 200-280 Smith St. Winnipeg, MB. R3C 1K2 Phone: (204) 956-6440 Toll-free: 1-888-333-3121 Fax: (204) 946-5667 Website: www.aosupportservices.ca E-mail: info@aosupportservices.ca CONTACT INFORMATION: A & O: Support Services for Older Adults 200 – 207 Donald Street Winnipeg, MB. R3C 1M5 Phone: (204) 956-6440 Toll-free: 1-888-333-3121 Fax: (204) 946-5667 Website: aosupportservices.ca E-mail: info@aosupportservices.ca SAFETY & SECURITY • Elder Abuse Prevention • Safe Suite Program • Older Victim Services • SafetyAid: Falls Prevention • This Full House – addresses Hoarding Disorder SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT • Senior Centre Without Walls • Connect Program • Senior Immigrant Settlement Services COUNSELLING SERVICES • Counselling • Information & Referral • Intake • Housing • Legal Services • Caregiving with Confidence Providing innovative programs and services to older adults since 1957 It isn't as easy to toss a horseshoe as it looks. "The atmosphere at the Games is always very social, but I think it will be even greater this year because we're getting back to happy things – having fun and being active with friends. The desire to get out and enjoy the company of others will also be big after the tough winter we just had." That said, Heidrick is still unsure about how many participants will be descending on Selkirk. In a normal, non-COVID year, the number would be over 1,000. That probably won't be the case this year. "I'm thinking we're going to have anywhere from 500 to 700 participants," notes Heidrick. "Regardless of numbers, it's going to be a huge celebration." "Again, everyone from participants to organizers to volunteers is excited that the Games are finally going to happen. It looks like we're going to have 200-plus volunteers, with more people stepping forward every day. We're going to be well-staffed and everyone is going to be in high spirits." As in years past, everyone is going to gather during the Games. And those gatherings figure to be a little more special this year, she adds. "It's going to be great. There will be different food options available, and people from the local community will also be invited to attend," says Heidrick. "We want to bring everyone back together to celebrate the Games in a safe setting." And while the Games are returning, they won't quite be back up to full speed. Events will be scaled back to maintain a safe environment with COVID-19 still circulating. "There will be 15-plus events instead of the usual 25-plus. Things aren't quite normal yet, so you can't come back and do everything you used to do." Still, people are being encouraged to participate. Truth be told, you don't have to be an elite athlete to take part. "You don't have to be a super athlete to join in," she says. "It's all about participating and choosing whatever activity that has meaning to you. The key to aging well is staying active. That's what the Games are all about." Heidrick adds there's no excuse not to attend as a spectator or competitor this year. "With Selkirk being close to the city relative to other venues, it's much easier to get out to the Games," she says. "We're just down the road, so grab a friend or group and come on down to spectate or participate." Who knows – this year's spectator may be next year's competitor. "After checking the Games out one year, many people have competed the next. With a little push and a little inspiration, a lot of people have said, 'I can do it, too.'" Registering to take part in the Manitoba 55+ Games is an easy process. Would-be participants can go to the 55+ Games page at activeagingmb.ca for details or call 204-261-9257. Good form is critically important in lawn bowling.