One thousand Ontarians 55 years of age or older will participate in the 2017 Ontario 55+ Winter Games beginning today (February 21) in Cobourg and runnng until Thursday, February 23rd.
Developed in partnership with the Ontario Seniors Games Association, this one-of-a-kind event is the only major provincial sporting event in Ontario for the 55+ age demographic.
“The Town of Cobourg is home to a very active senior population and a thriving Seniors Activity Centre that operates out of our Cobourg Community Centre,” says Cobourg Mayor Gil Brocanier. “On behalf of Cobourg Municipal Council, we are thrilled to be hosting the 2017 Ontario 55+ Winter Games and look forward to welcoming all of the participants, their family, and friends.”
The Province of Ontario is supporting the 2017 Ontario 55+ Winter Games with a $235,000 investment through its Games Ontario Program.
“Cobourg is recognized as having a large older adult populations,” says Dipika Damerla, Ontario Minister of Seniors Affairs. “So it is fitting that a multi-sport event that promotes healthy, active lifestyles for seniors is being held in this community.”
Competitions are being held in eight different sports: 10-pin bowling, badminton, curling, duplicate bridge, ice hockey, prediction skating, table tennis, and volleyball. Due to mild weather conditions, two of the originally scheduled sports — Nordic skiing and alpine skiing — have been cancelled.
The opening ceremonies for the games take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21st at the Cobourg Community Centre (750 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
On Wednesday, February 22nd, downtown Cobourg will be hosting “Middle Night Mingle” to celebrate the games. Events at the free celebration from 6:30 to 10 p.m. include live music at Victoria Hall and downtown restaurants, a film screening at The Loft, horse-drawn wagon rides, historical tours, and more.
For more information on the Ontario 55+ Winter Games, visit 2017cobourg55wintergames.com.
