The Casket

Local Senior Games returning to Colchester County

Event for anyone aged 55 and above being held May 6-10

- BHANVI ARORA

Age is just a number and there are no limits to seniors playing sports. That's why the Local Senior Games have been running successful­ly for 30 years in Colchester County. The event is slated to take place this year from May 6 to 10 at the H. Douglas Boyce Village Hall in Bible Hill.

Every year, these games attract over 150 participan­ts enthusiast­ic about playing sports and forming new friendship­s in the community. The primary focus of the Local Senior Games is to foster connection­s among seniors while providing opportunit­ies for fun and enjoyment.

“Perhaps you'll find yourselves recounting how you first met during a game of badminton,” says Haley Smith, director of parks and recreation, Village

of Bible Hill. “Engaging in weekly or bi-weekly badminton matches with newfound companions offers a refreshing means to keep seniors socially active. Undoubtedl­y, such events play a pivotal role in ensuring everyone remains fit and participat­es in social interactio­ns.”

Anyone above the age of 55 years can register for this event. A plethora of games — including auction forty fives, cribbage, bowling, casual walking, golf, crokinole, lawn bowling and others — will be organized at the event. A schedule has been devised detailing each of the games and when they will happen

along with different venues for each of the games.

There is also a closing banquet scheduled for the end of the week on Friday, says Smith, who adds this catered event offers all participan­ts a sit-down meal.

The Local Senior Games advisory committee, which organizes this event, is composed of senior citizens from Bible Hill, Colchester County and Truro. Several committee members have been involved since the inception of these games, bringing invaluable expertise to the table each year.

“The committee and the Village of Bible Hill have maintained a close partnershi­p over the years. The County of Colchester is also a partner. This year, the village has assumed responsibi­lity for managing the event, which also involves a Local Senior Games advisory committee, comprising seniors who coordinate all aspects of the games. They actively promote the event within the community, handle its planning, while I'm primarily involved in offering support and overseeing the financial aspects,” adds Smith.

With their deep understand­ing of seniors' preference­s, they engage in extensive discussion­s among themselves to determine event selections tailored specifical­ly for seniors. Smith has been involved in planning the event in the last four years.

The deadline for registrati­on for this year's games has already passed.

 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D ?? Left to right, local Senior Games committee members Dave Mitchell and Chester Sabean play at a crokinole event in 2023.
CONTRIBUTE­D Left to right, local Senior Games committee members Dave Mitchell and Chester Sabean play at a crokinole event in 2023.

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