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
EVEN BEGINNERS CAN ENJOY FUN, FRIENDSHIP AND IMPROVED FITNESS.
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