THE BATTLEFORDS —The organizing committee of the 2024 Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association (SSFA) 55+ Provincial Games, held in the Battlefords, has announced the disbursement of surplus funds to support local sport and recreation development in the community.
Al Gabert, chair of the games committee, announced that four organizations received funding in recognition of their contributions to the success of the games, as well as their ongoing commitment to promoting active living among older adults in the Battlefords region.
The recipient organizations and their respective funding amounts are:
Twin Rivers Curling Club – $8,000
SSFA Rivers West District – $5,000
Battlefords Pickleball Club – $6,000
Battlefords Lawn Bowling Club – $800”
“These funds are a way to give back to the community that so warmly welcomed athletes, volunteers, and visitors during the 2024 Games,” said Gabert.
“Each of these organizations plays an important role in promoting healthy, active lifestyles for all ages, and we’re proud to support their efforts.”
In a May 19 media release, the SSFA 55+ games committee said that the Twin Rivers Curling Club will use its funding to replace essential tables and chairs that are crucial for supporting the club’s fundraising events, facility rentals and use by charitable groups. These activities help sustain the club and keep curling fees affordable.
The SSFA Rivers West District will earmark this funding to support 2025 programming under the theme “Nurturing Positive Aging,” which includes workshops, fitness events and community engagement initiatives promoting physical, social and intellectual well-being among seniors.
The Battlefords Pickleball Club plans to use its funding to grow the sport through skill development clinics, senior-focused tournaments and future equipment renewal. With pickleball drawing the highest number of participants at the 2024 games, the club aims to build on this momentum by making the sport more accessible for players of all ages and skill levels.
The Battlefords Lawn Bowling Club will apply the funds they received to help offset costs incurred while hosting the lawn bowling event during the 2024 SSFA Games, recognizing their contribution to delivering a successful competition.
The SSFA 55+ Provincial Games brought hundreds of participants to the Battlefords in 2024 from across Saskatchewan. Athletes competed in a wide range of sports and activities that celebrated fitness, fun and fellowship.
“The event was made possible thanks to the hard work of local volunteers and community partners,” added Eric Johnson, media relations for the 55+ Games Host Committee.
Hosting events in the Battlefords not only provides an economic spinoff to the community as participants enjoy the hospitality sector and other aspects of the Battlefords, but also spinoff bonuses such as these donations made.
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