Countdown is on
50+ Acadian Games will be held for first time on P.E.I.
With 146 days to go, the program for P.E.I.’s first 50+ Acadian Games was announced Thursday in Abram-Village.
The sixth edition of the bi-annual event will run from Sept. 13 to 16 in the Evangeline area.
Organizing committee president for the games, Maria Bernard says they are making history.
“This is the first time they are being held outside of New Brunswick.”
She said that when most people think of the Acadian Games, they think sports, but “We want to promote more than sport.
“The 50 plus Acadian Games are an excellent occasion to develop or rekindle friendships with our Acadian and francophone friends from all over the Atlantic provinces and beyond,” said Bernard.
“This event also promotes the importance of living an active lifestyle for those over the age of 50.”
The games are for francophones in the Atlantic Canadian region over the age 50.
Bernard noted that volunteers play a huge role in running this event.
“We have excellent volunteers and a great community.”
Vice-president of services for the event, Alfred Arsenault, agreed.
“We have great volunteers at the festival every year, and we
are going to need them a couple of weeks later too,” he said, referring to the annual Acadian Festival held in the same area following the games.
This year’s event will mark the first time the games are held in September.
Organizers are hoping to attract over 300 participants from
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Magdalen Islands, Québec, as well as many French-speaking Islanders.
The four-day event will include activities such as pickle ball, darts, Scrabble and golf, in addition to cultural, health and wellness, and intergenerational activities.
Deadline to register for the games is Aug. 22 but all who register by Aug. 1 will be entered in a draw to win a Confederation Bridge pass.
To register or sign up to volunteer, visit www.jeuxacadie50plus.com, call 1-902-854-2166 or email ja50plus2018@gmail.com.