More than 1400 Manitoba athletes will converge in Morris for three days of fun and competition at the 2013 Manitoba Lotteries 55-Plus Games.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to host such a premiere-level event in our community” stated Town Councilor and Recreation Commission Chair, Scott Crick. “Not only does this give us an opportunity to showcase our growing community, it will also create great memories for all the volunteers and athletes.”

Participants at the Games will compete in over twenty events, ranging from swimming, scrabble and slo-pitch to floor curling and golf. Athletes aged 55 to 94 years old will come to the Games from across the province.

“One of the most exciting parts of this event is how the athletes become a part of the community for the time of the event” stated Crick. “For many of them, the opportunity to stay with a host family while visiting a different part of the Province is what brings them back to the Games year after year.”

The decision to bid for the games was spurred by Cheryl Waldner, the Resource Coordinator for Morris Area Senior Services. After visiting the games in Arborg in 2012, Cheryl felt this would be a great event for Morris to host. Cheryl will be chairing the Host Committee, with Angela Reid, the Recreation Director for the Town of Morris acting as Co-chair.

“The host committee is currently looking for volunteers, people interested in chairing the various committees, and families willing to host athletes.” stated Crick. “If anyone is interested in this, I invite them to contact Angela Reid at (204) 746-6622.”

The 55+ Games offer many ways to promote the benefits of healthy active living for older Manitobans and many opportunities to encourage all Manitobans 55 years of age or older to participate in regular physical, mental and social activities associated with the 55+ Games. The city of Steinbach hosted the 2011 55-Plus Games.

photo courtesy www.alcoamb.org