The 2022 Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association 55+ Games were hosted successfully in Prince Albert from June 14 to 16, 2022. A total of 516 participants and 40 non-competitors traveled to Prince Albert to take part in the 10 events from around the Province. We had the following events: Golf, Pickleball, Kaiser, Slo-Pitch, Swimming, Track & Field, 8-ball pool, Bowling, Cribbage and Poetry & Short Story Writing. In March, 2020 a Curling competition was completed before the remainder of the Games were postponed until 2022 due to the pandemic.
The over-600 participants (including curling) in the 2022 SSFA 55+ Games all were over the age of 55. There were 7 competitors in the games over the age of 90. These competitors were physically and mentally active in training for the Games and we assume will continue with their activity following these games. This event promoted awareness in our community and will encourage more seniors to be active and involved in events like this in the future.
Through the support of SIGA and others, the host committee was able to keep costs down for the seniors that took part. We were able to pay all fees including golf, bowling, and facility rentals and so on, as well as provide ceremonies and a first class banquet for a nominal registration fee. The Host Committee was dedicated to put on a first-class event and achieved this with the support of SIGA and many grants and sponsors. It was important for the competitors to feel honored to be part of the Games as it was a significant “life-event” for them.
These Games demonstrated the benefits of having events like this to promote seniors fitness and anything can be accomplished at any age if you put your mind to it. As one competitor said “Age is just a number!” and they proved it!