Active Aging

September 21-27, 2014 Active Aging Week 13 W heelchair rugby player Jared Funk is used to being a role model to other athletes. But the three-time Paralympics medalist was inspired himself when he attended the Mani- toba Liquor & Lotteries 55+ Games in Neepawa in June. Meeting participants — including one woman in her 90s whose time in the Predicted Walk was much faster than expected — Funk says he enjoyed the spirit of competition. "It was great to go to the Games and watch some of the athletes do their stuff," he says. "They go into it and it's just the eye of the tiger and it's great. It never ends, no matter if you're playing high level or whether you're in the Senior Games and it's great to see that." Funk is one of five Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries IMPACT (Inspire, Moti- vate, Participate, Achieve, Champion, Team) Ambassadors who attend community events throughout the province. Funk and his fellow ambassadors — Kaitlyn Lawes (2014 Olympic Gold Medalist on the Jennifer Jones curling team), Janine Hanson (2012 Olympic Silver Medalist in rowing), Reid Carruthers (2014 Provincial Curling Champion on the Jeff Stoughton team) and retired CFL player Obby Khan — have attended more than 120 events on behalf of Mani- toba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) so far this year. MBLL gives $6 million annually to support community organizations and events ranging from the 55+ Games to golf tournaments, fund- raising galas and festivals. "There were 40 festivals that we went to this year that were part of the volunteer initiative," Funk says, adding MBLL offers hands-on help as well as financial sup- port. Ambassadors sign autographs, pose for photos and join the fun — Funk even judged the Spud Baby contest at the Portage Potato Festival in Au- gust. "We do a lot of speak- ing engagements," he says. "We can share our stories about how we became an athlete and what it takes to become an elite ath- lete, but also just give, hopefully, inspiration to the others — whether it be kids or whether it be adults — just to keep pressing forward and do your best." MBLL has several other programs that support the community as well. Its Flight Deck program provides amateur sports teams with tick- ets for Winnipeg Jets and Winnipeg Blue Bombers home games. The Bingo Volunteer Program at Casinos of Winnipeg offers opportunities for fundraising to hundreds of sports, arts, multicultural, education and service groups. And Funk says he appreciates the direct support for the IMPACT athletes. "It's been great so far this year. I can't wait for the rest of the year." Whether he attends as an IMPACT Team Ambassador or not, Funk says he plans to take in the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries 55+ Games in Beausejour June 16 - 18, 2015. "My parents are over 55 plus, so I'm going to see if they want to start playing." STAY ACTIVE in Europe and Experience the Luxury in Europe and Experience the Luxury of an All-Inclusive River Cruise with SCENIC TOURS. The time to book is now! Early Booking Bonuses still available for 2015 sailings. Call our Cruise Consultants to discuss the features and benefits of Scenic Tours. 204-925-2120/ 1-800-463-2120 sailaway@cruiseworld.mb.ca/www.cruiseworld.mb.ca Daily WalkingTours Included! manitoBa LiQuor & Lotteries Has impact The IMPACT athletes, from left: Kaitlyn Lawes (2014 Olympic Gold Medalist on the Jennifer Jones curling team), Janine Hanson (2012 Olympic Silver Medalist in rowing), Jared Funk (wheelchair rugby, three-time Paralympics Medalist), retired CFL player Obby Khan and Reid Carruthers (2014 Provincial Curling Champion on the Jeff Stoughton team). ExecutivesRealty,Realtor ® SPECIALIZINGINWINNIPEG'S55+REALESTATEMARKET D'AnneHansen,Realtor CaringaboutWinnipeg'sSeniors OverwhelmedbytheSeniorHousingoptions? LifeLease?House?Condo?Rent? Itwon'tcostyouapennytocallandchatbutitwillsaveyoustress Icanhelpyouunderstandtheoptionsandgaintheknowledgeyouneed tomaketherightinformeddecisionforYOU!Youdeservetoknowwhat isoutthereandhaveyourquestionsandconcernshandledwithrespect, dignityandpatience-itismygoaltoprovidethat. 204-979-0432 DynamicHansen@gmail.com www.DanneHansen.com

• Cover