Lt. Governor Russ Mirasty delivers a speech at the opening ceremonies for the SSFA 55+ Games in Prince Albert. (Derek Craddock/paNOW)

By Derek Craddock

OPENING CEREMONIES

Let the games begin! SSFA 55+ Games open in P.A.

Jun 15, 2022 | 10:27 AM

After years of waiting, Prince Albert has officially opened the 2022 SSFA 55+ Games.

In the opening ceremonies held Tuesday night at the Art Hauser Centre, over 600 athletes and volunteers from across Saskatchewan marched in to kick off the event.

The night included speeches from MLA Alana Ross, Mayor Greg Dionne, the Prince Albert Host Committee, Sherry McLennan from Metis Nation Saskatchewan and Lt. Governor Russ Mirasty.

Mirasty gave the first speech of the night, offering his good wishes in English and his first language of Woodland Cree.

City councillor Dennis Ogrodnick MCed the night and gave his message of good luck to all athletes.

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The games officially opened with the unveiling of the 55+ Games banner.

Chair of the Prince Albert Host Committee, Shona Stapleton, said it’s been a long time coming, but she’s excited the games are finally here.

“We’ve tried the last couple of years but were shut down pretty quick with the COVID stuff,” she said, “This year, we put our heads down, we got the works done and thank God for my committee because, without them, this would not even happen.”

The hundreds of athletes participating will compete in a number of events including 8-ball, slo-pitch, golf and pickleball.

Several venues in the city will host the sports including the Minto Bowl, Alfred Jenkins Field House, The Art Hauser Centre, and Prime Ministers’ Park.

Stapleton is hoping that many people in the community will come out to watch the games.

“If these wonderful people can come out, in this weather, and play either slo-pitch, or golf, or pickleball, or whatever it is they’re doing, you can come up out and watch them as well. Support them, cheer them on, cheer on your locals.”

The SSFA 55+ Games will wrap up Thursday afternoon with the Closing Ceremonies at the Art Hauser Centre.

More information, including the schedule and map of the venues, can be found on the City of Prince Albert website.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock