2010 Canada 55+ Games Report High Number of Registrations
Brockville, ON – July 19, 2010: The numbers are in and the Games Organizing Committee of the 2010 Canada 55+ Games is happy to report that a total of 1,500 participants and their guests from across Canada will “come to town” from August 23 to 28, for six days comprised of competitions, celebrations of healthy living, and great live entertainment.
“I’m thrilled that we’ve gotten such a large turnout for the Games, particularly given the economic climate,” said David Dargie, chair of the Games Organizing Committee. “I’m confident that the local communities in which the Games are taking place and the participants will be staying¯Brockville, Gananoque, Prescott, Smiths Falls, and Ivy Lea¯will give the participants a great welcome.”
Dargie added that the 2010 Games are pleased with the outpouring of support from the business community and the various agencies and organizations that have lent their services or provided cash sponsorship. The Games budget is just under $500,000. This total breaks down to about $157,000 in cash contributions, $169,000 in in-kind support, and $170,000 from participants. The economic return to the communities is expected to approach $3 million. “The fact that an event of this magnitude can be put on with a budget of less than $500,000 is a testament to the hard work of the volunteer Games Organizing Committee, the small 2010 Canada 55+ Games staff, and the many volunteers who have helped with the organization and promotion and will continue to help during the Games themselves.”
While the Canada 55+ Games are organized primarily for competitors who have pre-qualified in provincial and territorial sports and recreation events, like the provincial Winterfest 2007 and 2009 events that were hosted in Brockville, for the first time since the Canada 55+ Games began in 1996, the 2010 Games are offering a number of special events to the public to help demonstrate the benefits of healthy living and give locals an opportunity to be part of such a large event.
These special events include: four “Open” Canadian Championships (August 26) in which anyone 55+ from anywhere can participate; the BOOST Health Zone (August 23 & 24), the lighting of the Games’ GreenField Ethanol Cauldron by a very special guest, followed by a free concert with Healy & Orr (August 25), the CDIC Active Living Day (August 26); and three nights of entertainment with the Beach Party Boys (August 26), Hotel California (August 27), and Freddy Vette and the Flames (August 28). Check out the details at www.brockville2010.ca.
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