Tuesday, August 27, saw the Alberta team of just under 600 lead the Parade of Athletes into the ExpoCite at the Canada 55 plus Senior Games in Quebec City.
A total of roughly 2,500 participants from 10 provinces, the North West Territories and Yukon made their way by plane, train and car to engage in 20 various activities, some of which were unique to Quebec and eastern Canada. Alberta team members proudly waved their Canadian flags and wore Alberta pins on their royal blue shirts. Alberta flag bearers were Norma Dawson and Doug Campbell.
Alberta had representation in a wide range of sports, from golf, pickleball, 8-ball pool, darts, track and field, crib, tennis, duckpin bowling and floor shuffleboard. The largest contingent on the Alberta team was made up of hockey teams with three men’s and three women’s teams, with good representation as well as in golf, pickleball and track and field.
Drumheller had three participants at the Games. Wendy Laughlin ran four track events (the maximum allowed), winning three medals, including a gold in the 3,000 meters. She was busy, also running in the 10k bonus run.
Alison Ostergard played hockey on the ladies 60+ Alberta team, the first time a Zone 2 ladies’ team has qualified for the Canadian Games.
Linda Traquair played Duckpin Bowling - a game played only in Quebec. A special moment was when a competitor from Yukon bowled a perfect game in the first game of the event.
Hanna residents Cal and Deb Werner played in the 8-ball pool tournament, with Deb winning a bronze medal.
Alberta finished second in the total medal count (199 total), second only to Ontario with a total of 211 medals. Alberta colleced 100 gold medals, 61 silver and 38 bronze medals. Ontario had 81 gold, 77 silver and 53 bronze. The home province finished third with 181 total medals.
“It was great to see that all provinces and territories went home with medals,” said Traquair.
The Games wrapped up with a banquet and the presentation of the “Spirit Award” to the Nova Scotia team. It was announced that the 2026 Canada Senior Games will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“Hopefully, this will permit more individuals from Alberta to attend as travel options will be easier,” said Traquair.
It was also announced that Mr. Dave Finn, currently the president of Alberta 55 Plus will assume the role of President of the Canada Senior Games Board in May 2025.
The 2025 Provincial Summer Games will be held in Leduc, Alberta, August 21st - 24, 2025. Alberta 55 Plus is made up of eight Zones. Each Zone will hold qualifiers prior to June 2025 to determine the representatives to the Provincial Games as they start to assemble to team to attend the 2026 Canada Senior Games.
Watch for the announcement of fun games and demonstration events this fall. Individuals interested in knowing more about Alberta 55 plus can contact Linda Traquair at 403.823.8460.
