Planning well under way for 55-plus games in Neepawa
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, February 4, 2014
By: Kate Jackman-Atkinson
myWestman.ca
With five months left to go before opening ceremonies, things are coming together for the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults 55-plus Games, to be held in Neepawa, June 17-19.
Local organizing committee chair Allan Drysdale says that despite the tight timelines, chairs have been found for the committees and venues have been booked. The schedule has also been prepared, helping volunteers and organizers schedule their time.
This year’s games were originally to be held in Brandon, but last fall, the city asked if they could postpone hosting the games until 2015. Neepawa was approached and a group of volunteers decided to take on the project. However, a shorter timeline (seven months instead of 12) has left the the local organizing committee with some ground to make up.
Organizers are still looking for individuals who want to volunteer during the games. This includes volunteering at events as well as other jobs.
Approximately 1,200 competitors are expected to come to the community to take part in the event and are responsible for their own meals and accommodations, so organizers are also looking for people who would be interested in billeting competitors. In addition to volunteers, organizers are also looking for sponsorship.
“We need to raise about $15,000 locally to make it fly,” said Drysdale.
The committee is also looking for smaller donations and silent auction items. The money raised locally is needed to cover expenses such as facility rentals -- although some have been donated -- as well as snacks and refreshments to be provided during competitions.
The opening ceremonies will take place on the morning of Tuesday, June 17, while that night will consist of a variety show at the Roxy Theatre featuring mostly local entertainers. Wednesday night meanwhile, will be the dinner and dance at the Yellowhead Hall.
Neepawa will be offering a couple of unique events including disk golf, which will be a demonstration sport making use of the town’s new disk golf course. They will also be offering pickleball, which is a cross between badminton and volleyball, and has been growing in popularity over the last few years.
With the exception of contract bridge, whist and cribbage, for which players must qualify at a regional playoff, the rest of the events are open. Organizers are hoping to see a number of local competitors.
“Everything else is open to anyone who wishes to enter,” said Drysdale.
Events will be taking place all over town including the Yellowhead Arena, the Drop in Centre, the tennis courts, the track at NACI, the pool, Evans Lanes and the fairgrounds. Spectators are welcome to all of the events and there is no admission.
If there is a good turn out of local competitors, there could be as many as 1,500 competitors. The economic impact will be larger though, as many competitors will bring family or friends to watch.
Want to sponsor the event or donate a silent auction prize? Contact Allan Drysdale at 476-2723. Interested in volunteering, contact Linda Hart- 476-2767. Want to billet a competitor? Contact Don Chubey 476-2469.
