Northeastern Alberta playoffs for the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games events are complete.
The provincial games will be conducted in a series of individual tournaments throughout the province, rather than as one multi-sport meet.
Technically, Alberta is completing its 2023 Winter Games this month. Some sports have already held their provincial qualifiers, with participants advancing to the Canada Games to be held in Quebec City.
Zone 7, representing Northeastern Alberta, held its floor curling, snooker, and darts playoffs at Cold Lake Seniors’ Society January 24. Five-pin bowling was held in Fort McMurray on Thursday, and pickleball playoffs took place in Vermilion on the weekend. Respect will have complete Zone 7 results and updates in our next paper February 20.
Some local athletes advanced to provincials from the January 24 playoffs. Don Hennessey of Bonnyville won the 55+ age category in snooker, while Cold Lake’s Vic Ouellette and Denis Charbonneau won the darts playoffs in their respective age categories.
The Bonnyville team of Jerome Bourassa, Darcy Wasyluk, Elaine Taylor, and Marie Ingersoll qualified in 55+ floor curling.
Other qualifying participants were Garry Wolosinka of Viking in 70+ snooker; and the Viking team of Ron Mizera, Bob Cormack, Maurice Furmanek, and Kenneth Malbeuf in 70+ floor curling.
Alberta 55 Plus is a grass roots, volunteer-driven movement that encourages participation and friendly competition.
Don Hennessey had praise for the way the Cold Lake hosts captured that spirit.
“I was truly impressed with the Cold Lake Seniors’ Centre from every aspect,” he said. “I felt warm and welcomed with open arms, and the lunch they provided was superior. I saw a couple of people I used to know. It was just good for the heart.”
Alberta Winter Games and Summer Games are held in odd-numbered years, usually in a
combined multi-sport event. The games draw approximately 1,000 participants and officials to the host communities.
The next Alberta Summer Games will take place in Camrose in 2025. A host city has not yet been named for the 2025 Alberta Winter Games.
While 55 Plus sports offer opportunities to compete at provincial and national levels, it all starts with playing for fun in your own community.
The 55 Plus movement offers all kinds of sports, games, and arts activities that encourage participation, sportsmanship, and friendly competition.
Snooker, floor curling, and darts qualifiers were held in Cold Lake January 24.
