Approximately 500 participants converged in the Battlefords for the 2016 SSFA Provincial 55+ Games that ran from July 5 to 7, 2016. The weather co-operated, the spirit of competition was high and role modelling of older adults fully engaged and active was inspirational.
The three day event, themed “Live Long – Live Strong” consisted of 12 events and participants represented the nine districts in the province with ages ranging from 55 to 97 years of age. The curling event was held in March. The Saskatoon SSFA District led with the most medals won followed by Rivers West and Prairie Central SSFA Districts. These games determined that the 151 participants will represent Saskatchewan at the Canada 55+ Games in Brampton, August 16 to 19, 2016 in Brampton, Ontario and were tied for third place with Yukon in the medal standings. (Gold – 37, Silver – 17 and Bronze 9, total 63). In addition, Saskatchewan won the “Spirit of the Games Award”. Saskatchewan won this award in 2004 at the Games in Whitehorse.
In additional to being an exceptional multi-faceted event, the 55+ Games exhibited the community’s volunteer dedication and community cooperation.
One of the goals of the SSFA 55+ Games is for communities to provide an opportunity for older adults 55+ to compete in a structured competitive format and for celebration of active lifestyles for older adults. We owe a big thanks to all of the volunteers. Without them, the Battlefords Committee could not host such a successful event.
For more information about SSFA, check our website www.ssfa.ca or call Margaret Gailing @ 1-306-539-8195.