That gold medal you’ve dreamed about could be on your horizon.
The 2020 55+ Games have been officially scheduled for Sept. 15 to 19 in Richmond and the Richmond Host Society is working hard to build on the success of last year’s event, which featured more than 4,000 participants. Participant registration opens on March 1.
A diverse range of individual and team sports and games includes 8-ball, archery, badminton, bocce, bridge, carpet bowling, cribbage, darts, dragon boat racing, five-pin bowling, floor curling, golf, hockey and horseshoes.
There’s also ice curling, karate, lawn bowling, pickleball, slo-pitch, snooker, soccer, swimming, table tennis, track and field, trapshooting and whist.
READ ALSO: 55+ BC Games coming to Abbotsford in 2022
“A century ago, ‘The Roaring Twenties’ was the dawn of a new age,” Jim Lamond, president of the Richmond 2020 55+ BCD Games Society said in a media release. “Welcome in a new era of innovation, opportunity and excitement. Feel the sheer joy of living life to the full. Come play in Richmond’s superb sports facilities in a supportive, diverse community. We welcome all of B.C. to come and enjoy the roaring Twenties.”
The 55+ BC Games, which are presented annually to different communities by the BC Games Senior Society, were also hosted by Richmond in 2009, with more than 3,800 people participating. The Games are an important part of the B.C. sports system and the largest annual multi-sport gathering in the province, Lamond said. They also provide an opportunity to celebrate sport and active living with other participants from throughout the province, as well as highlight the hospitality of the host city.
“The 55+ BC Games is a fantastic event that gives older adults the chance to get together and compete against people in their age class,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “I’m proud our government supports these Games, which inspire people to pursue life-long physical activity. With thousands of participants and spectators, the Games will also bring great tourism and economic benefits to the City of Richmond.”
More than 1,200 volunteers are required to stage and deliver the Games, which attracts about 3,600 participants a year.
For more information on the event or to register, visit 55plusbcgames.org.
Check out 55plusbcgames.org/richmond2020richmond-volunteer for more information on volunteering.
rick.stiebel@goldstreamgazette.com
