Fifty Five Plus Games

T he 2015 Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries 55 Plus Games will be held in beautiful Beausejour June 16-18. Over 25 events are expected to attract more than 1,000 athletes, 300 volunteers and many more spectators to three days of fun. Since 1983, the Manitoba Society of Seniors (MSOS) had proudly hosted the annual 55 Plus Games in a different community in Manitoba each year. In 2011, the torch and spirit of the Games was placed in the capable hands of the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB) and this year will commemorate the 33rd year of the 55 Plus Games. If you have never been to the Games, this is one celebration you will not want to miss! The 55 Plus Games are the largest annual multi-sport event in Manitoba, breaking the common stereotype that seniors don't stay active into their 60s, 70s and 80s. In fact, the oldest male and female athletes are both well over 90 years old. Many other participants have been bit by the "Games bug" and continue to visit the Games every year no matter where the event is held. Events range from card games to Scrabble, snooker, floor curling/shuffleboard, track, swimming and slo-pitch. Slo-pitch is the largest event at the Games, drawing anywhere from 10-15 teams every year. Between 9-hole and 18-hole golf, about 200 participants hit the links, while approximately 100 bowlers take to the lanes, competing in both singles and team events. The three days of activities make for fun and enjoyable competition for participants and spectators alike. The Games, while emphasizing active, recreational activities, are also about providing a social and cultural atmosphere through entertainment and special events. A Variety Concert on June 16 showcases some of the best entertainment in the region, and an Athletes' Banquet allows the participants a chance to mingle the following night. The Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, former Manitoba Premier and Governor General of Canada, will be in his hometown during the Games as the special guest speaker at the Athletes' Banquet, which includes a dinner and dance. While many participants from across the province plan annual vacations around the Games, Beausejour's proximity to Winnipeg makes it easily accessible to a large population of older athletes and spectators who may be enjoying the event for the first time. Just 46 kilometres northeast of the city on Hwy. 44, Beausejour is home to about 3,100 residents who are looking forward to showing off local attractions to visitors. ALCOA-MB has a comprehensive 55 Plus Games website (www.alcoamb.org, click on 55+ Games) where you'll find the latest news and information to help plan a memorable Games experience. Valuable information includes schedules, sports information, accommodation listings, registration news and entertainment updates. Get in on the Fun and Games! The Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries 55 Plus Games are open to any Manitoban who is 55 or older by Dec. 31, 2015. The registration process depends on what event you want to participate in. Card events most often require qualifying playoffs in different regions of the province, while other events such as swimming, track or snooker do not require any playoffs. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting multi-sport event, please check out the Games website at www.alcoamb.org. Participants, volunteers, spectators and sponsors are all needed to make the Games a success. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information about the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries 55 Plus Games, contact the Games Office: Phone 204-261-9257 or toll-free 1-855-261-9257. Email: manitoba55plusgames@gmail.com. Visit the ALCOA-MB website at: www.alcoamb.org Thank You to our Sponsors and Donors! ALCOA-MB is extremely grateful for the support of its sponsors. The following sponsors help make the 2015 Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries 55 Plus Games possible. Please support and thank them with your loyalty in purchasing their products or using their services. PluS GameS 55 2015 Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Never Too Old to Play! SuPPLEMEnt tO thE winniPEG FrEE PrESS | MArCh 28, 2015 | View online at winnipegfreepress.com/publications

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