
Zone 7 (Northeast Alberta) participants came away with 23 medals from the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games, held in Peace River June 16 to 19.
The haul included 10 gold, 9 silver, and four bronze medals.
Seven of the gold medals came from two athletes: Ed Storch of Mannville won three sprint events in the over-75 category, and Cold Lake’s Paul Odell swam his way to four gold medals.
The other golds were won by Darcie Wasyluk and Jerome Bourassa of Bonnyville in cribbage; Donald Bulbeck and Sandy Cumby (also Bonnyville) in over-65 mens doubles pickleball; and Viking’s Colin and Evelyn Lang in over-75 mixed doubles pickleball.
The Zone 7 pickleball team accounted for 10 of the zone’s 23 medals.
But of course the medals were not the whole story. The 55 Plus sports movement is primarily about local participation and the opportunity to qualify for provincial and Canada games. The beautiful Peace Region put on a memorable multi-sport meet with venues n Peace River, St. Isidore, and Grimshaw.
Volunteers at all of the venues were courteous and helpful, and despite threatening weather, all of the events were completed.
Many participants have qualified from the Alberta Games to compete in the Canada Games in Kamloops August 23 to 26; not all are confirmed to make the trip.
The alternating cycle of provincial games in odd-numbered years and Canada games in even-numbered years will resume with summer and winter Alberta Games in 2023, and the next nationals in 2024.












