Photo by Whitehorse Star
ROLLIN' 鈥� Ron Lister throws a ball in the seniors' sixth annual lawn bowling competition at the Canada Games Centre in January. The territory is preparing to send its largest roster in history to the Canada 55+ Games in Alberta this summer.
The Yukon's ElderActive Recreation Association (ERA) will be sending more than 130 participants to the Canada 55+ Games this summer.
The Yukon's ElderActive Recreation Association (ERA) will be sending more than 130 participants to the Canada 55+ Games this summer.
The national games are being held in Strathcona County, just outside Edmonton, Aug. 27 to 30. More than 2,000 athletes and participants are expected for what will be an historic event for Canadians 55 years and older.
"This year's Team Yukon is the largest group we have taken to any of the games,鈥� ERA president Tom Parlee said in a press release.
"More Yukoners are signing up because the reputation of the Canada 55+ Games is growing and the word is out that participating is fun, challenging and a great way of being involved.鈥�
The games began in 1996 as the Canada Senior Games.
In 2004, Whitehorse hosted the games with 1,200 participants from across Canada.
In 2008, the national organizers changed the name to Canada 55+ Games. The event is held every second year in a different location, alternating between eastern and western Canada. While competition is important, the emphasis is on participation.
Yukoners will be participating in 19 of the 24 sports and activities at the 2014 games.
The largest group with 18 athletes is in track and field, followed by 16 people in both carpet bowling and slow-pitch.
The swim team has 10 people signed up. This year's Team Yukon includes 26 people from the rural communities, marking another record of involvement.
"The average age of participants on this year's team is 69 years,鈥� said Linda Stratis, the co-chef de mission for Team Yukon. "That's a bit younger than the average age in the past.
But we have 18 members over the age of 80 and our oldest participant is 89. She's competing in a whist tournament, playing cards.鈥�
Team Yukon is holding an information session for members this Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre.
Team members will be fitted for new uniforms and receive information about travel, accommodations, the June pep rally and competition details.
ElderActive Recreation is a non-profit organization committed to advancing active living in Yukoners 55 years and over.
With the help of the Yukon government, it organizes sport and recreation activities to promote health and wellness in body, mind and spirit.
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