NORTH BATTLEFORD - North Battleford city council made it known they are enthusiastic about plans for the city to host the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association 55+ Games in 2024.
On Monday night, council heard from Al Gabert, Vice-Chair of the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association and also Chair of the planning committee for the 55+ Games. He spoke about the organization’s work that is now underway to host the event next June 11, 12 and 13, 2024.
Gabert said he met in July with City Manager Randy Patrick, Director of Leisure Services Cheryl DeNeire, and Economic Development Manager Jan Swanson. After that discussion, the decision was made to form a committee.
“We’re looking forward to hosting provincial games as a community support group in North Battleford,” said Gabert.
Planning is now under way for hosting the Games. At Monday’s council meeting, councillors heard two requests from Gabert. The first was for a letter of support from the City to the Saskatchewan Senior Games Committee, which they are required to have for their application to SaskSport.
The other request to the City was for use of their recreational facilities in North Battleford to support hosting the various events of the Games. The Games will require both indoor and outdoor venues.
According to the SSFA organization’s website, competition categories for the 55+ Games include eight-ball, cribbage, five-pin bowling, golf, Kaiser, pickleball, poetry and short story writing, lawn bowling, slo-pitch, swimming, track and field, ice-curling and the new category of photography. The intention is for ice-curling to take place in March, with the majority of events happening in June.
The intention now is for administration to proceed with next steps and come back to council for those two approvals. City Manager Randy Patrick said they plan to bring a letter of support back to council for approval at the next meeting.
There was general enthusiasm expressed from council for hosting the 55+ Games. “It’s fantastic and thank you for taking the initiative,” said Mayor David Gillan to Gabert. “We’re very supportive of what you’re doing.”
The 55+ Games were last held in North Battleford in 2016 and are normally held every two years, although in 2020 they were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the 55+ Games were held in Prince Albert.
Gabert told council they anticipate bringing in approximately 600 seniors from across Saskatchewan to the Battlefords in June, 2024. They also feel they will be able to attract enough volunteers to run a successful Games.
Councillor Kent Lindgren, who also serves as chair of Destination Battlefords, welcomed the event’s return to the city.
“One of our strategic directions is really to look at event attraction and promotion in North Battleford, and to welcome 600 people, athletes, and then visitors and supporters from around the province is exactly what we want to do and be a part of,” said Lindgren.
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