Selkirk Set to Host Manitoba 55+ Games

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This article was published 28/04/2022 (925 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Selkirk community is gearing up to host the Manitoba 55+ Games after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.

Selkirk was ready to host the 2020 Games, but plans were put on hold out of COVID-19 caution.

Now, plans are in place once again for Selkirk to host the in-person events from June 7 to 9, with plenty of fun in store for both participants and spectators alike.

“Selkirk was on board in 2020, but the 55+ Games had to be put on hold due to the pandemic. The community is excited to rekindle the spirit of the Games and move forward with hosting the event this summer,” says Karyn Heidrick, Active Aging in Manitoba’s event co-ordinator.

At long last, the Games are a go, she adds.

“With events and volunteers in place and all set to go in 2020, Selkirk is regrouping to ensure everything is in place for an exciting three days this June 2022. Selkirk will see visitors during the Games enjoying their restaurants, shops, hotels, parks and local hospitality.”

Since 1983, the Manitoba Society of Seniors has hosted the annual event in different communities across the province.

In 2012, the Active Living Coalition of Older Adults in Manitoba, now known as Active Aging in Manitoba, took over the organizational efforts.

“Active Aging in Manitoba co-ordinates these annual games through partnerships with the provincial 55+ Games committee and the host committee from Selkirk as a celebration of healthy living and proof that Manitobans of all ages can lead active, engaged and healthy lives,” Heidrick says.

As has always been the case, the Games will emphasize recreational activities combined with social and cultural experiences.

“The Manitoba 55+ Games encourage Manitobans 55 years of age and older to participate in a festival of social activities and friendly competition — all so important in maintaining health, functional ability and quality of life. The Games will be a mix of existing program elements combined with new ways of participating with heightened safety in mind.”

Excitement is already building for activities that will showcase Selkirk and beyond.

“A variety concert is usually held the Tuesday night during the Games and an athletes’ dinner allows participants a chance to mingle on Wednesday night,” Heidrick says. “A satellite event will also be a part of the June games. Lawn bowling is being held in Winnipeg with the help of the St. John’s Lawn Bowling Club on Main Street in Winnipeg and its volunteers.”

Committee member Deborah Vitt echoed the excitement for the upcoming festivities.

“We were ready to go in 2020 and then had to do the classic COVID pivot. So, we revamped and have started up again with full anticipation that we’re going ahead with the Games,” she says. “The number of activities has been pared down because of COVID protocols. We’re working hard to make the Games as safe as possible.”

Many participants are looking forward to pickleball, which has taken off in Selkirk and other communities across Manitoba.

“Pickleball is going to be a big draw, and the softball teams are ready to go,” Vitt says. “We’ll be using the high school track for predicted walks. Whether it’s a one- or three-kilometre walk, you predict your time, but you can’t walk with any electronic devices to keep you on track. It’s very interesting and fun.”

The volunteer spirit remains alive and well in Selkirk, she adds.

“Selkirk has a huge volunteer group of people who want to be active and want to promote their community. They see this as a way of giving back to the community, and I think that’s a real positive,” Vitt said. “The community was so pumped in 2020. We’re working hard to get that same level of energy back for 2022.”

Vitt notes it won’t be hard to rekindle that energy.

“It’s been a long time coming. We’re ready to reignite the passion and enthusiasm for the Games and for active participation.”

Venue chair Lee Hanson expressed similar enthusiasm about Selkirk hosting this year’s Games.

“I think it’s great that we revived the committee,” he said. “We’re re-energizing ourselves and we’re excited to host it.”

The deadline to register for all events is May 13, except for Slo-Pitch, which has a deadline of May 20. Visit www.activeagingmb.ca for a list of events being offered.