On the morning of July 25, six residents from Chestermere and one from Strathmore, anxiously waited at the Chestermere Recreation Centre for the arrival of a National Motor Coach to transport them to Barrhead/Westlock for the start of the 2013 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games. With suitcases, bags and horseshoes loaded, the bus made a stop at Deerfoot Mall to pick up participants from Calgary and Rockyview. It was not long til the bus was abuzz with conversation as participants became reacquainted with friends from previous playoffs and competitions. Some gathered at the back of the bus for a game of Bridge.
The 3 ½ hour trip seemed to have gone by quickly as we pulled up to the registration centre in Westlock where we received our participant packages containing our accommodation information, activity schedules and local business and tourist attractions in Barrhead and Westlock.
The opening ceremonies, activity competition and meals were very good, many new friendships were made and the volunteers were extremely helpful. Transportation to the activities, food centres and entertainment was by school bus or courtesy car. After 2 days of completion and the closing ceremonies, it was back on the National Motor Coach and a quieter trip back home. Some had stories to share and jokes to tell to make the journey home fun and relaxing. The medal winning participants will have the opportunity to represent Alberta in the Canada 55 Plus Games in Strathcona County in August 2014.
Rosie Armes won a Gold Medal by placing first in Horseshoes 55+ Women’s Open with Dianne Pearce placing fourth. Brian Wood, Holly Wood, Lionel Lebebvre and Shirley Farand (Strathmore) placed eleventh in Military Whist 55+ Open. Marilyn Conrad placed sixteenth in Cribbage 70+ Singles. David Mayer, Bruce Pennock and Brian Wagner from Chestermere won Bronze Medals by placing third in Slo-Pitch 55+ Men’s and Larry Frazer won a Silver Medal by placing second in Slo-Pitch 65+ Men’s. Overall, Zone 2 participants won 11 Gold Medals, 15 Silver Medals and 29 Bronze Medals.
Congratulations to everyone from Chestermere for participating. With the 2015 Summer Games to be held in Strathmore, Chestermere residents should prepare to make a strong showing in all activities including Arts and Crafts and Creative Writing.
