The 2011 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games concluded after three successful days of competition.
Athletes from Zone 5, which includes Barrhead and Swan Hills, made off with a medal haul that would rival countries participating in the mainstream Olympics.
Zone 5 athletes collected 31 gold, 29 silver and eight bronze medals.
More than 1,000 athletes competed in 14 different activities from July 21 - 24, in and around Fairview, Alta.
“It was a really good experience. They had an opening ceremonies, and it felt like a mini-Olympics,” said Richard Jacobs.
Events included bocce, creative writing, floor shuffleboard, floor curling, slo-pitch and horseshoes.
“For me, it’s a self-training thing. A lot of the other athletes that were there are part of big clubs and they usually have people to train with to push them along. We do have a club here in town, but the masters swim club usually meets on Saturdays during the winter,” said Jacobs.
The memories the athletes made through the four days of competition and socializing will never be forgotten.
“Participating and meeting a lot of different people was the big thing for me. In my events, there were a few athletes that had participated on the national level with the Olympics. That was really neat for me to meet them,” said Jacobs.
The athletes from Barrhead have their sights set on 2013 when the games will be hosted by Barrhead and Westlock.
“We’re going to be hosting the games here in a couple of years, and it will be great to get more athletes out from the town. It’s a great way to keep fit, meet people and have a lot of fun. I’d really like to represent this area in 2013,” said Jacobs.
“I’m really looking forward to the games when they’re here in Barrhead. Of course I’ll be entering swimming again. We are so lucky to get the games in 2013. It’ll be wonderful to perform in front of family and friends,” said Noreen Rose.
