Fifty Five Plus Games

2 MANITOBA LIQUOR & LOTTERIES 55 PLUS GAMES | SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS At a young age, Kaitlyn Lawes realized curling would be a lifetime activity for her. T he Olympic gold medalist believes age is no barrier to enjoying sports and activities of all kinds, and she encourages all Manitobans to join the fun at the 2016 Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries 55 Plus Games in Brandon June 14-16. "The 55 Plus Games is an event that proves that sports and recreational activities transcend age. It's a fantastic event," says Lawes, who is one of five Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries IMPACT (Inspire, Motivate, Participate, Achieve, Champion, Team) ambassadors. "For these athletes to have the opportunity to compete in the 55 Plus Games, to feel that level of competition and set goals for themselves, is so exciting and something that they always look forward to." Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries supports the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB) and the 55 Games because they promote a healthy lifestyle, volunteerism and community involvement. The Games attract some 1,000 competitors, volunteers and spectators from across the province, and Lawes says they're all winners in her book. Participants have the opportunity to compete in activities they love, or try recreational activities that they can carry on with outside of the Games. She says people who try curling, for example, will realize it's a social experience as well as a sport. "It provides a great way to meet new people in the community, especially if you're new to a place," she says. "It's something that many skill levels can play, no matter what your fitness level. You can play to your own ability. There's definitely competitiveness involved, but at the same time you can just go out there and have some fun." Lawes can testify to the power of sport, as she has been shaped by her personal experiences. Her parents were both avid curlers and when her father retired at a young age, Lawes joined him at the curling club whenever she could. During her junior curling career, Lawes enjoyed success as a skip on the national and world stage, winning the University National championship in 2007. When she was 18, her father passed away from a brain tumour. She considered taking a break from curling, but with the support of her team and family she continued to compete. In 2008-09, Lawes won back-to- back Canadian Junior titles, followed with bronze- and silver-medal finishes, respectively, at the World Junior Championships. She has been a third with Jennifer Jones' team since 2010, an experience that was highlighted by a Gold Medal win at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. "I've received so many benefits from being involved in sport. I've got to travel the world doing something I love, which is something I'll never forget," she says. "I've had the chance to meet some great people through sport. I've also earned a lot of life lessons — how to work with other people, be part of a team, set goals. It's been a huge part of my life that I've enjoyed so much." Lawes and her fellow IMPACT ambassadors — wheelchair rugby Paralympics medalist Jared Funk, 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist in rowing Janine Hanson, curling champion Reid Carruthers and retired CFL player Obby Khan — attend community events Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries supports throughout the province. Along with a strong contingent of participants, organizers of the 55 Plus Games encourage volunteers to help the event run smoothly. Lawes says volunteers are crucial to large sporting events. "Every single game I've participated in, I make sure to thank every volunteer," she says. "We're so grateful to have so many people that put their time into something as fantastic as the 55 Plus games." Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries 55 Plus Games transcend age BY PAT REDIGER Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries IMPACT ambassadors, including Olympic gold medalist Kaitlyn Lawes (below), attend many community and sports events throughout the province.

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