The Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games are coming up June 16-19 in the Peace Region. Events will be held in Peace River, Grimshaw, St. Isidore, Dixonville, and area.
At this week’s Peace River Town Council Meeting, Richard Walisser, the Chairperson of the 55 Plus Summer Games Committee, provided a report.
Thanks was given to the municipalities that were part of the bid collaboration and earmarked $15,000 towards the games.
County of Northern Lights, MD of Peace, Northern Sunrise County, Town of Grimshaw, and Town of Peace River all contributed.
Walisser talked about the mission of hosting the event, “to provide physical and mental well-being for 55 plus Albertans by providing active games and experiences.”
A wide range of sports are planned, including athletics, bocce, contract bridge, cribbage, cycling, military whist, 8-ball pool, golf, horseshoes, pickelball, slo-pitch, floor shuffleboard, crafts & photography, and swimming.
Many volunteers are needed to put on an event like this. Original estimations call for 200, and about half that goal has been reached so far.
Walisser did bring up that the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games have reached higher numbers than expected, since restrictions were lifted. Athlete registrations have now reached over 1100 for the April event in Edmonton.
With that in mind, the games committee is bracing for a larger summer games than originally predicted, which should lead to a significant boost in the local economy.
Athletes are already booking their accommodations.
Hotels in the area are blocking off rooms, campgrounds are expecting an influx , and even some community members are opening up their homes.
For those interested in being part of the games, especially in a volunteer role, you’re being asked to visit the WEBSITE.
-Damien Gnass, Trending 55 Newsroom
