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SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS | SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
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2 Active Aging Week | SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
MANITOBA 55+ GAMES GETTING READY TO ROLL IN STEINBACH By Kristin Marand
THE ACTIVE AGING IN MANITOBA WEBSITE, ACTIVEAGINGMB.CA, HAS ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE GAMES
T he 42nd annual Manitoba 55+ Games will take place June 3-5 in Steinbach. Hosted by Active Aging in Manitoba, and the volunteer Steinbach host committee, the Games are an opportunity for older adults — anyone who will be 55 by the end of the year, that is – to come together and enjoy summer sports and games while sharing in community and friendly competition. Communities around the province bid to host the Games, so each year offers athletes and volunteers an opportunity to explore the province and makes it accessible to participants from all parts. The 2025 games will feature two new Slo-pitch is one of the Games’ most popular events.
events, and the host city will show off a brand-new venue. “They have a brand-new facility, the Southeast Event Center, which is going to be a jewel in their crown. It’s a beautiful facility that just went into operation on March 14,” says Linda Brown, executive director of Active Aging in Manitoba. “We are really excited to be one of the first events they host there - we will have our Pickleball event there.” The Pat Porter Active Living Center will be the hub and registration headquarters, hosting several events and opening ceremonies. In previous years, the opening ceremonies have taken place on a Tuesday morning. This year, the opening ceremonies
will take place on Monday evening, followed by a community barbecue. The
opening ceremonies, open to the public, will include a participant parade behind regional banners and greetings from dignitaries, including the mayor of Steinbach, local MLA’s and the Minister of Sport. “Everything except for two events is all happening within Steinbach,” says Brown. “If people want to come out and watch several different events for a day, they can do that because it’s so easy to get around. There’s lots of free parking and free admission. Everything is handy and very compact, and they’ve also got lots of great restaurants and coffee shops.” The two events taking place outside
Steinbach include lawn bowling, which will be held at the Dakota Lawn Bowling Center in Winnipeg, and eight and nine-ball pool, which will be held at the La Broquerie Hotel, ten minutes from Steinbach. Beach volleyball will be included as a demo event for the first time in 2025. Cornhole, which made its debut as a demo game last year, will be an official
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SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 | Active Aging Week 3
STEINBACH ROLLS OUT THE WELCOME MAT T he Steinbach community is ready to roll out the welcome mat for athletes, volunteers and visitors for the upcoming 55+ Games. By Jennifer McFee
city has become over the years.” Graham enjoyed the opportunity to meet other Manitobans as a participant in the Games.
“
Camaraderie is as important as competition at the Games.
THE COMMUNITY GROWTH HAS CONTRIBUTED TO CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALTHIER LIVING AND A GREAT COMMUNITY SPIRIT.” Audrey Harder, co-chair, Host Committee, 55+ Games
part of the Games this year in partnership with Cornhole Manitoba. Brown is excited for this addition, as she notes this easy-to-play game is an great way for anyone to get involved. “The only requirement is that you must be 55 or over,” Brown says. “The neat thing about cornhole is it’s really grown in popularity over the last few years, and part of it is because it’s so accessible. You could be using a walker; you could also be in a wheelchair and play. So, it really has opened it up to a lot of people, and it’s such a great social activity.” The Active Aging in Manitoba website, activeagingmb.ca, has all the information you need to plan your visit to the games, whether you are participating, volunteering, or spectating. Under the ‘events’ tab, you will find the schedule and location of events and a list of accommodations, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and even nearby campgrounds. As the Games expect around 1200 participants, the organizers encourage folks to make reservations as soon as possible. One of the highlights of the Games is the
Audrey Harder and Doug Graham are tackling the task of co-chairing the host committee. For them, it’s easy to promote a community with so much to offer. “Steinbach is a city with a small- town attitude. Having people across the province come to visit will be a great opportunity to show how welcoming we are,” Harder says. “Steinbach is diverse, growing and has so much more to offer than anyone would believe.” Likewise, Graham shared similar enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “Although Steinbach is the third largest city in Manitoba, I think there is limited knowledge of what this beautiful city has to offer to the general population of Manitoba, let alone the specific demographics of the 55-plus age group,” he says. “Through this great opportunity to host the Games, Steinbach and the surrounding area can promote the multicultural vibrancy of what this
Swimming is a great way to get a low impact workout.
celebration banquet that is open to the public on Wednesday evening. While events are free to attend during the games, the banquet requires a ticket available for purchase online or by calling Active Aging in Manitoba at 204–632-3947 or toll-free: 1-866-202-6663. “We’ll be celebrating the Games and the people participating in the Games with an evening of dinner and entertainment. And that’s where we will announce the next host community for 2026,” says Brown.
When he had the chance to get involved in the hosting committee, he jumped at the chance. “I’m a board member of the Pat Porter Active Living Centre. When it was decided to submit a bid to host the Games, I decided that I needed to experience the overall backdrop Continued on page 4
4 Active Aging Week | SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
STEINBACH’S NEW SOUTHEAST EVENT CENTRE Set to Shine During 55+ Games By Kristin Marand
Continued from page 3
Centre will be buzzing with activity as a hub for table tennis, bridge, crib, corn hole and crafts, as well as the opening ceremonies and banquet. The brand-new Southeast Event Centre will also be open for visitors to check out during the pickleball event. Meanwhile, local parks will be hopping with slo-pitch, horseshoes, walking, bocce ball and more. The Steinbach Aquatic Centre will host the swimming competitions, and the track events will competitions will be at the Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course, and the Steinbach Bowling Alley and Bistro will host bowling as well as an opportunity to try some delicious Filipino foods. A three-day curling event already took place in March, garnering lots of compliments about the local curling facilities. While visitors spend time in Steinbach, it’s well worth visiting the Mennonite Heritage Museum, as well as local shops, city facilities and a range of restaurants that offer a variety of cultural cuisines. take place at the middle school. The 18-hole and nine-hole golf “These games mean so much to the athletes,” Harder adds. “Not only is it an opportunity to compete, it is also a chance to meet new people and see why Steinbach is truly ‘Worth the Trip.’“
of the Games by being involved in the organization aspect,” he said. “I have skills I felt could be of value to various aspects of the committee, so volunteered to be involved pretty quick.” Similarly, when Harder was approached to get involved, she felt it was an excellent opportunity to show off Steinbach’s new and improved facilities. “The community growth has contributed to creating opportunities for healthier living and a great community spirit,” she says. “This city is special in so many ways — the small- town feel, the value of being welcoming to all, the strength we have in diversity.” At the same time, the community is ready to offer a warm welcome to visitors from near and far. “Multiple hotels have already announced special packages for the days that the events are to be held, knowing what the potential is for a large influx of visitors,” Graham says. “Businesses are already indicating their willingness to participate in either sponsorships or donations of various items for the athletes.” The Games will showcase various parts of the community. To start, the Pat Porter Active Living
T he city of Steinbach has a brand-new gathering place for sports, concerts and community events. Named the Southeast Event Centre, it officially opened on March 14 when the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s (MJHL) Steinbach Pistons battled the Selkirk Steelers before a sold-out crowd of 2,400. Now, the state-of-the-art facility is getting set to host Manitoba 55+ Games events. With a wide variety of amenities for participants of all ages, this addition will delight locals and draw crowds from all over southeastern Manitoba. “The demand [for a new facility] has been present for a long time in our community. Any bigger gathering, a banquet hall or a place to have a social or a wedding besides the churches, had to happen outside of city limits,” says Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, Director of Communications, Marketing and Sales. “It just really needed this kick start, this group, the city and the governments to band together and make it happen.” She adds that it took a great team to bring the stunning facility from concept to reality. influencers. They’ve worked together to bring the state-of-the-art multi-use venue to our region, and we’re excited to bring outside opportunities into our city as well.” Planning for the Southeast Event Centre began in 2019. The facility fulfills Steinbach’s official community plan by boosting downtown “Our board of directors is full of visionary community leaders and
dynamism and providing local infrastructure services while also offering a multi-use venue to the region. Led by a membership of 50 locally invested individuals and business owners, the event centre aims to promote community, enrich the quality of life in the region and operate under the values of gather, play and grow.
“
PEOPLE ARE JUST BLOWN AWAY, AND WE’RE THRILLED THAT PEOPLE ARE ENJOYING THE SPACE.” Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, director of communications, Marketing & sales, Southeast Event Centre
Group activities promote both exercise and socialization.
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“People are just blown away, and we’re thrilled that people are enjoying the space. One of the neatest things for us is to see the oohs and the ahhs and almost disbelief that we’re in Steinbach,” says Sawatzky-Koop. “Those who’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a Pistons game have now seen the incredible venue that this is, and they’re already loving it.” Essentially, the facility provides an exceptional experience right across the board. “Everyone loves the big screens, the
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SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 | Active Aging Week 5
incredible sound, the comfy seats and the delicious Hy Life concessions. And seeing your neighbours sitting in your section or across the rink – it’s been amazing. The whole goal is bringing people together, and that is truly what this place is already doing.” The arena and concessions opened first, with the Pistons and their 29-game regular season schedule providing an anchor tenant for the event centre. The Centre expects to host regular concerts, farmers’ markets, trade shows, conferences, weddings, banquets, meetings, fundraisers, and other ice-based sporting events like curling. As it fills out, the next phase of openings will see a new gym, walking track, an indoor play structure, and full-service restaurant Forum and Bistro added to the facility. Sawatzky-Koop likens the progressive opening of the facility to gift giving, opening several presents, one at a time. Steinbach hosts the Manitoba 55+ Games June 3-5 this summer, welcoming thousands of athletes, volunteers and spectators. The splendour of the Southeast Event Centre will be on full display as the centre hosts the fastest-growing sport in North America: pickleball. “The gym will be completely brand new for this event. Our Southeast Event Center
legacy volunteer team is already getting excited to do their part to help the 55-plus games volunteers direct people in our building when they get here and provide
welcome everyone inside. We can hardly wait to be a gathering place for these incredible athletes.” Even after the games, the Southeast Event Centre will be a welcome
addition to the lives of active living enthusiasts in the region.
Its centralized location makes it very accessible, and the indoor walking track and playground will provide an affordable year-round option for activity.
whatever they need.” Spectators will also have plenty of options available to satisfy their hunger. “Our grab-and-go concessions will be open, as will the Forum and Bistro restaurant,” Sawatzy-Koop
says. “The beautiful atrium will
Pickleball is a fun, accessible game that fosters fitness and community.
6 Active Aging Week | SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL BOWLING OFFERS FUN, FITNESS AT ANY AGE
55+ Games, also hosted by Steinbach that year. Back then, the event’s chairperson visited his bowling alley and asked the owners to recommend someone to serve as the event’s bowling chairperson. “I happened to be at the alley, playing in a spring league, and the owner pointed to me,” he says. “I accepted and, as they say, the rest is history.” Since then, he has chaired the bowling events for games in Carman, Gimli, Beausejour, and served as advisor to the chair for the games in Killarney, Carberry and Swan River. Following a two-year break in the games schedule due to the pandemic, he again served as advisor to the games in Selkirk and Portage la Prairie. Scheduling continues to be a big part of his contribution to the game organization, with this year’s plans being no different. The 2025 games include singles events for men and women in each of four age divisions – 55+, 65+, 75+ and 85+. There are also mixed team events in three age categories – 55+,65+, and 75+. There are gold, silver and bronze medals to be won by the top bowlers in each category just like the Olympics. While it’s always nice to win, the rewards of games participation go far beyond a place on the podium. “Register for the event of your choice, then come and participate along with older Manitobans from all over the province,” he says. “Steinbach has nice facilities, great volunteers and lots of good restaurants and accommodations, so come and enjoy the friendly competition. And if you leave Steinbach with a medal, that’s just a bonus.”
If you were born before fun, friendship and improved fitness, then Mike Baziuk says he has opportunity that might be right up your alley. Baziuk is the five-pin bowling coordinator of this year’s Manitoba 55+ Games, an assignment that involves the coordination and scheduling of events for a sport he discovered years ago by happenstance. Born in Vita, Baziuk’s career took him away from Manitoba, but he chose to return to his home province when he retired in 2003, settling in Ste. Anne. 1970 and are interested in an activity where even beginners can enjoy That same year, he attended a fall supper where he ran into an old high school friend who ultimately introduced him to what would become his new favourite pastime. “My buddy asked me what I had been doing, so I told him that I had retired and just moved back to Manitoba,” says Baziuk. “He said he needed a player to bowl on his team in a men’s league. I told him I had never bowled before and he said that it didn’t matter because bowling is a handicapped sport,
meaning everyone has an equal chance to succeed.” The friend said the main thing was for Baziuk to show up every week during a 30-week season. “So, I accepted. And 22 years later, I still bowl three times a week, and in three different leagues.” Bowling is clearly good for Baziuk and, according to Bowl Canada, the sport is beneficial for bowlers of all ages, regardless of skill level. Usually less expensive as compared to some other lifetime sports, bowling is not only fun, but also good exercise, one that tends to improve muscle tone and flexibility. The organization reports that “the average bowler walks six tenths of a mile during a three-game series, which burns calories and relieves stress. For many, one of the most valued aspects of bowling is the socialization factor. Since leagues are usually team- oriented, as are some of the bowling events at the 55+ Games, bowlers have the chance to make new friends and spend time with others who share a common interest. The same is true of individual events as each lane accommodates several bowlers. Another chance meeting in 2011 led to Baziuk’s involvement in the annual
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SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 | Active Aging Week 7
A HOLE LOT OF FUN By Jim Timlick
C ornhole has been called one of the fastest growing sports in North America, and this summer it will make its official debut as part of the Manitoba 55+ Games. The game, which is also referred to as bean bag toss, is one of the new additions to this year’s roster of sports for the 55+ Games, which will take place June 3-5 in Steinbach. It was offered as a demo sport at last year’s Games and proved so popular that organizers decided to make it an official offering in 2025. As many as 100 men and women are expected to take part in the Games’ one- day cornhole competition. It will be an open event with the only requirement being that competitors must be 55 years of age before Dec. 31, 2025, to take part. Jeff Munday, president of the Manitoba Cornhole Association, says his
organization is delighted to see the sport become part of the Games. “Our mission at the Manitoba Cornhole Association is to grow the sport across the province and get more people participating in it. I think the Games will give us more exposure and help make that happen,” he says. “I think it’s a great way of getting more people participating in it that may not have otherwise if they didn’t know it was part of the Games.” Cornhole is a North American creation and has been around in one form or another since the late 1800s. Players or teams take turns throwing fabric beans bags at an inclined board that features a hole in its far end. Points are scored by landing a bean bag on the board (one point) or in the hole (three points). The sport has enjoyed exponential growth in Canada over the past several years, including here in Manitoba. Two competitive leagues were formed in Winnipeg – one in St. James, and another in West St. Paul – over the past two years. There is also a handful of leagues in other parts of the province including Ile des Chenes, Portage la Prairie, Winkler and Steinbach. Munday attributes the recent growth of the sport to the increased exposure it has received. For example, American Cornhole League games are now broadcast on American sports giant ESPN and the sport has become a viral sensation on social media platforms like Instagram, Reddit and YouTube. “Anytime you look it up on something like YouTube you can see these massive tournaments with huge prize payouts
and sponsorships,” Munday says. “The average person is seeing it more now on TSN or ESPN and realizing that they really enjoy playing it at the campground or at the lake, and maybe they’ll join a league because its
more organized.” He thinks one of the best things about cornhole is the fact that there is a place for everyone in the sport regardless of age or ability. “A lot of the players that are in my Winnipeg West Cornhole League are over 55 years old. Some of them are highly competitive and others are just coming for a fun night out with some great people.” Munday adds that those new to the sport don’t need to be concerned about their skill level. “The first thing I tell new people is don’t worry about how good or bad you think you are. There are people of all skill levels that are participating in the leagues. You’re not going to go in there and get killed or kill someone else. The other thing is it’s a fun night out. People are very welcoming. Its very inclusive.” Munday believes cornhole is going to be a perfect fit for the Manitoba 55+ Games and its participants. “Anybody can play regardless of age or athletic ability. It’s low impact, it’s easy to
Cornhole is one of the fastest growing sports in North America.
learn and a cost-effective sport. All the equipment is provided to the players so they can just show up and start throwing bean bags,” says Munday, who hopes that cornhole will eventually become part of the Canada 55+ Games. Best of all, anyone from age 55 to 90 can participate. “The other nice thing is it’s not necessarily age dependent. If someone can throw a bean bag they can play and if they come from any sort of background of playing horseshoes or bowling, then they’ll be pretty good at it.”
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8 Active Aging Week | SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
By Jennifer McFee TITLE SPONSOR APPRECIATES YOUNG-AT-HEART MINDSET T he Manitoba 55+ Games offer an opportunity to focus on health and wellness while also bolstering a sense of community My wish for all our staff is to be healthy in all aspects of their lives, which includes their physical, mental and social well-being,” he says. He adds that Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries’ team constantly promotes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
— and this year’s title sponsor is pleased to be part of the action once again. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries has supported the 55+ Games since 2004 and has been the event’s title sponsor since 2008 — and the tradition continues this year. “We are proud to continue supporting this important annual event that draws new and experienced participants from across the province, to be active and compete in their chosen sport or game,” says Gerry Sul, president and CEO of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. The 55+ Games provide an opportunity to extend active living into a competitive but fun social event with other participants, which goes a long way toward building a sense of community in Manitoba. “As we know, active living is an important aspect of maintaining one’s mental and physical well-being,” Sul says. “Hopefully, as people age and enter their golden years, they can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle but one that still provides opportunities for physical and social activities. The 55+ Games is the perfect event to enjoy the camaraderie and competition of sport with teammates and peers, while supporting the Games’ host community.” Being active enhances your overall quality of life and, combined with some healthy competitive spirit, will allow individuals to remain young at heart. For Sul, it’s important to extend this perspective to the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries team as well. “Good health is an essential ingredient for being a happy and productive employee.
“Our corporation encourages employees to maintain and improve their health and well- being, whether that be choosing a wellness spending account as part of their flex benefits, taking advantage of corporate discounts at local fitness facilities like the Sport Manitoba Fitness Centre or attending our annual on-site health and wellness clinics.” Through Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries’ intranet site, the health and wellness team offer work- related safety, physical and mental health tips to employees. “These incentives and tips can help our employees stay healthy and maintain that young-at-heart mindset,” Sul says. “Year after year, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries takes pride in its sponsorship of the much-anticipated annual event.” There is a palpable sense of pride associated with sponsoring the Games, he adds. “We are proud to sponsor the 55+ Games as it aligns with our goal to build community in Manitoba. I’m hopeful that all our employees, regardless of their age, see our commitment to the 55+ Games as a reminder that we truly believe in the importance of health and wellness for all,” Sul said. “I highly encourage our employees to not only support and be a spectator at this year’s 55+ Games in Steinbach but also challenge themselves to participate.” Looking ahead, Sul hopes they can continue to stay involved into the future. “We recognize the importance of our sponsorship to this great Manitoba event,” he says. “We are hopeful that we can maintain an ongoing relationship with the organizers so we can continue to help support our aging population in leading healthy, active lifestyles.”
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AS WE KNOW, ACTIVE LIVING IS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF MAINTAINING ONE’S MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING.”
Gerry Sul, president and CEO, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
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