Call out for curlers for the Manitoba 55+ Games

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This article was published 11/12/2023 (1019 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Calling all curlers who are interested in competing in the Manitoba 55+ Games, which Brandon will host in 2024 — now is the time to register.

Almost a thousand athletes, competing in more than 20 events will be in the Wheat City next summer from June 18 to 20, but the curling will happen much sooner in March, said Jennifer Watson, executive director at Brandon First.

“There’s nowhere with ice in June, so we thought, what if we split if off?” Watson said. “And we’re generating excitement about it now because the curling event in March really isn’t that far away — that’s only three months from now, and it’ll be here before we know it. And then three months after that is the full June games. So, we’re already excited.”

The Manitoba 55+ Games happen every year in June, at different communities across the province. The last time Brandon hosted was in 2016, which Watson said went so well that they decided to put the bid together for 2024.

Brandon First is a not-for-profit organization that brings event tourism to the Wheat City, said Watson.

“People who travel for events will spend more money at hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and shopping. So, when we bring an event, it’s an economic benefit to the city and business community.”

That’s why Watson added, she and her team are providing support to the organizing committee by sending out the call for athletes, volunteers, and sponsors.

“We’re looking for everything from scorekeepers, to people who want to work at the main office headquarters that will be set up at the Dome building, to those who want to help with transportation. Business sponsors are encouraged, too,” Watson said.

The first Manitoba 55+ Games was held in 1983. It was run by the Manitoba Society of Seniors until 2012, when Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) took over, said Linda Brown, the organization’s executive director.

The games were paused for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but were back on track for 2021 in Selkirk and last year in Portage la Prairie.

By moving the games around, Brown said, it encourages participation across the province, makes it more accessible, and circles back to the reason that AAIM exists — helping people stay active and independent longer, which brings health benefits such as flexibility, strengh and mobility, and can lead to fall prevention.

The mental health benefits include being able to socialize with people who are the same age, an overall feeling of well-being, as well as contributing something to one’s community, Brown added.

Athletes can take part in the dozens of events that range from curling — both on the ice and on the floor, to pickle ball, bocce ball, slo-pitch, horseshoes, wall darts, and golf.

The full range of sports and how to register is on the AAIM website, but Karyn Heidrick, games coordinator with Manitoba 55+ Games, said people should know that the games offers events for all levels of physical capabilities.

People on teams, Heidrick added, should be thinking about getting their “game plan” together now to arrange practice time, so they’re prepared for next summer.

For those athletes who are interested in taking their winning attitude to the next level, there is the opportunity to qualify for the national 55+ Games, said AIMM’s Linda Brown. Those who place in the top three in their activity or sport at the Brandon games have the chance to go to the 2024 Canada Games in Quebec City.

Registration is open now for curlers who want to compete in the March competition, as well as those who want to volunteer at any of the Brandon venues, sit on any committees, or become a sponsor for the 55+ Games in June.

For more information, visit https://activeagingmb.ca/55games/

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