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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Photos: Ontario 55+ Summer Games Kicks Off With Opening Processions

The Ontario 55+ Summer Games held an opening ceremony to honour all competitors around the province the night before the two-day games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday night.

The ceremony opened with a cauldron lighting, an Indigenous blessing, speeches from Summer Games staff and musical performances.

Several local dignitaries were in attendance including MP Michelle Ferreri, Coun. Stephen Wright, Coun. Leslie Parnell, Coun. Gary Baldwin, Warden J. Murray Jones, MPP Dave Smith and Mayor Diane Therrien. The last three spoke at the podium.

Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lt.-Gov. of Ont. was also in attendance and spoke out on the stage.

The games run from Aug. 10-11.

There are 17 different events for the games including bid euchre, contract bridge and cribbage, cycling, lawn bowling, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch and tennis.

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Ontario 55+ Summer Games Qualifiers Are Underway

The call for participants in the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games in Peterborough has been issued by The City of Peterborough on Friday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The games run from Aug. 9 - 11 with 19 events. They range from bid euchre, contract bridge and cribbage, to cycling, lawn bowling, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch, swimming and tennis.

To qualify, participants must be registered with the Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA). Central Region District 12 is hosting qualifying events within the region which includes Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and the Northumberland area. Participants must register and qualify for a district event to participate in the Games.

“The Ontario Senior Games Association is welcoming and inclusive of all Ontarians 55+ looking for friendly, local competition and the opportunity to progress to Provincial and National competitions in their sport or activity”, said Eva Ferguson, District 12 Coordinator.

Online registration is available through the OSGA website and information on qualifying event information for District 12 can be obtained by emailing osga-dist12@cogeco.ca.

For information about the Peterborough 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games visit their website.

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'100 Days Out' Celebration Planned For Ontario 55+ Summer Games In Peterborough

To celebrate the start of the Peterborough 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games in August, A “100 Days Out” celebration will take place on May 2 at the Silver Bean Café.

The event will generate momentum and build excitement for the Games, which take place August 9 to 11 throughout the City and County of Peterborough, as well as promote a call for volunteers who would like to support the Games.

Organized by the Games Organizing Committee, the event will be attended by local dignitaries and PACHI the mascot of the Ontario Games, and include speeches from Mayor Diane Therrien, County Deputy Warden Andy Mitchell, Games Organizing Committee Chair Fred Batley and Downtown Business Improvement Area Executive Director Terry Guiel.

"The Downtown Business Improvement Area is thrilled to be partnering with the City of Peterborough for the Ontario 55+ Summer Games”, said Guiel. “Our historically charming downtown is filled with the kind of unique dining and shopping experiences that the visiting athletes will most certainly enjoy. We can't wait to show off our entertainment district and the vibrant patios this summer. Of course, we are looking forward to the games bringing a much-needed economic boost to our downtown businesses."

The 100 Days Out event will take place from 5 to 6 p.m., on May 2, at the Silver Bean Café, 130 King St., inside Millennium Park, and feature live music performed by local musicians. Refreshments will also be available.

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2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games Is Looking For Volunteers

A call for volunteers is open for individuals who would like to support the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games that is being held in the Peterborough area this summer.

File photo.

Positions are open in areas like security, medical, registration and food services to name a few.

The Ontario 55+ Summer Games which will be held throughout the Peterborough area from August 9-11.

The event is expected to draw up to 1,400 participants from across the province. The Games include 19 diverse events ranging from bid euchre, contract bridge and cribbage, to cycling, lawn bowling, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch, swimming, and tennis. The venues for the events will be located throughout the City and County.

Historically, the Ontario 55+ Summer Games generate about $2 million in positive economic impact for the host community. The Province of Ontario is also supporting the Games with a $235,000 investment. While the Games are held during the busy summer tourism season, events take place mid-week encouraging participants to come early and stay later, generating additional revenue for local business, attractions, and accommodation providers.

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Peterborough Selected to Host the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games

After facing two consecutive cancelled years due to COVID-19, Peterborough has kept its bid and will host the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games that will run from Aug. 9 - 11 announced on Thursday.

Pickleball will be one of the events in the Summer Games. Pickleball enthusiasts have lobbied the Peterborough government to build more courts to meet the increasing popularity of the game in town. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Roughly 1,400 people are expected to compete in events such as bid euchre, contract bridge, cribbage, cycling, lawn bowling, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch, swimming, tennis and more. The venues for the events will be throughout the City and County.

Several Peterborough notables say the games will provide an economic boost to the travel and tourism industry as they went through several challenges due to the pandemic.

Several supporters and fans are expected to travel to the event with the competitors as the city has organized a committee to help accommodate the boosted tourism.

“We are excited to support the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games in Peterborough with a $235,000 investment. This event will bring people, their families, and fans from across Ontario to Peterborough; supporting local businesses and aiding in the economic recovery of our community,” said MPP Dave Smith.

“I am pleased that we can work with Games organizers to host this event in Peterborough in 2022,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The Games is an important contributor to the well-being of the Peterborough community and the province and as Ontario deals with the impacts of COVID-19, it’s important that we invest in and support our local communities in the short and long term.”

"Never before has social interaction and fun been more important for our citizens,” Councillor Lesley Parnell. “The Ontario 55+ Summer Games will not only be fun but are essential for our mental and emotional health following Covid."

The provincial government, through the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries is providing $235,000 in funding to support the event. The City has committed $175,000. Additional funding will be raised through fundraising, sponsorship and fees.

A website for the event will be launched to share information as more details are available.

There will be a call for volunteers to assist with the Games – and for the community to come out to enjoy the Games and cheer on the participants. This information is also on the City of Peterborough website at www.peterborough.ca.

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