Ontario 55+ Summer Games Rolling With Casual and Serious Competitors

As the final day closes on the Ontario 55+ Summer Games, many athletes have a laugh while facing fierce competition on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club.

The opening ceremony began on Wednesday with the games running on Wednesday and Thursday. There are 17 events and over 750 competitors around the province participating.

The events are hosted at several venues including Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, Trent University and Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre.

The Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club (PLBC) held both lawn bowling and shuffleboard with both events having no competition shortage.

“They were very competitive,” said Steve Russell, PLBC volunteer. “They played fairly and we had a tie. (It was) Tied right up until the last game. That tells you how skilled they are.”

Russell said he was happy to see how friendly and laidback the bowlers were despite their competitive nature.

“The social aspect of bowling is very important because a lot of people hibernate in their condos or their homes and don't get out and socialize with people,” he said. “So part of it is with the physical exercise, coming in and having a coffee or beer, a conversation and then meet new friends.”

Deb Slocum and Brian Slocum earned gold in the doubles event while Marilyn Pickett, Brenda Wilson and Regina Ko got the gold in the triples.

There were a total of 21 bowlers competing in the event with 12 in the doubles and nine in the triples.

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