Seventy-three curlers compete at the P.A. Golf and Curling Club. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association Games

Senior curlers take to the ice

Mar 9, 2020 | 1:42 PM

The first event of the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association’s 55-plus games is underway.

The curling portion of the games kicked off Monday at the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Club. Game’s Manager Felix Casavant explained there is a range of different competitions taking place.

“We have four different events going on, plus 55 women, plus 65 men’s, stick curling and mixed curling,” he said.

In total Casavant said they had 73 curlers competing. He estimated the oldest competitor was over 80.

Casavant said nearly every part of the province is represented as they have representatives from five of the senior fitness association’s eight provincial districts represented. Casavant added the winner of the regular curling will get the chance to represent Saskatchewan at the Canadian equivalent.

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“The winner of the regular curling can go on to Kamloops [B.C.] in July,” he said.

Margaret Gailing, president of the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association (SSFA) said the rest of the games events will happen in P.A. this June. She said they hold the curling portion early as it is easier to have ice.

“We don’t want to pay all [the] extra money for putting in ice in June,” she said.

So far Gailing was impressed with the turnout for the event, as there was a major masters competition scheduled in Estevan during the week.

“So far it’s been excellent, there’s a good organizing committee here in Prince Albert, very efficient, lot of experience, that’s very evident,” she said.

A decent sized crowd was taking in the matches Monday. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Dale Lawrence, the Lakeland district president for the SSFA which encompasses P.A., Melfort, and the far North,said the curling event brought a total of 34 curlers from the Lakeland district to the city.

“It’s a friendly competition is really what it is,” he said.

Lawrence, who himself has competed in track and field, said the games are great for those looking to compete and are also nice as they bring people together.

“It’s a great way to keep us older people involved in the that sport we love, whatever sport it is,” he said.

The curling portion of the event will conclude Wednesday.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn