Hundreds of Manitobans age 55 and over will come together from June 12 to 14 in Arborg for the 2012 Manitoba Lotteries 55Plus Games. This announcement was made by Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau.
“The 2012 Manitoba Lotteries 55Plus Games offer older adults the opportunity to enjoy three days of healthy competition, with an emphasis on friendship, fun and good sporting attitude,” Rondeau said. “Manitoba Lotteries will be the title sponsor for the 55Plus Games for the fourth consecutive year and the province will contribute $10,000 to the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB), which will take the lead role in promoting and implementing this year’s event. The host community will also receive $5,300.”
Anyone 55 years of age or older can participate in a variety of age-friendly events at locations in and around Arborg including slo-pitch softball, floor curling, floor shuffleboard, snooker, bowling, carpet bowling, bridge, whist, cribbage, arts and crafts, and self-pacing events, such as a predict-your-time walk. Last year’s event, held in Steinbach, attracted more than 700 participants, ranging in age from 55 to 98. The games offer something for all ages and experience levels.
“Manitoba’s 55Plus Games enrich the lives of older Manitobans and Manitoba Lotteries is very pleased to once again be the title sponsor,” said Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton, minister responsible for lotteries. “Manitoba Lotteries is committed to making a difference in Manitoba through its strong community support and voluntarism programs, and we look forward to participating in the 55Plus Games.”
“Everything about the 55Plus Games embodies the vision and mission of ALCOA-MB,” said Fred Bieber, chair of ALCOA-MB. “We will be joining hands with key partner organizations including the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres and many volunteers throughout the province to ensure older Manitobans have the opportunity to participate in this exciting event. Participants make friends for life, create lasting memories and provide positive role models for younger people in the community.”
“The 55Plus Games, which have been running since 1983, are an inspiration to all Manitobans to stay physically and mentally active for better health and a better quality of life,” said Rondeau. “We are proud to support the games each year as part of our commitment to provide seniors with fun, exciting and innovative ways to stay active.”
The town of Arborg, which will host this year’s 55Plus Games, is a community of 1,021 people, located in Manitoba’s Interlake region, 100 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Arborg previously hosted the games in 2003.
For more information on the 2012 Manitoba Lotteries 55Plus Games, visit www.alcoamb.org or contact the ALCOA-MB official 55Plus Games office at 204-261-9257 (in Winnipeg), toll-free at 1-855-261-9257 or email manitoba55plusgames@gmail.ca.
