News release

Countdown to the 55+ Games Is On

Seniors (Oct. 2007 - Aug. 2021)

Older Nova Scotians can look forward to fun, fitness and friendship now that the countdown to the 55+ Games is underway.

MLA Lenore Zann, on behalf of Minister of Seniors Denise Peterson-Rafuse, and games organizers officially launched the 2013 Nova Scotia 55+ games today, July 19. The games start in exactly two months, and will be hosted at various sites in Truro and around Colchester County from Sept. 19 to 21.

"Older Nova Scotians tell us they want to stay active and engaged so they can live healthy, independent lives and these games are a great way to do just that," said Ms. Zann. "The province is proud to support this event, and I'm pleased Truro has been chosen to host this year.

"We always put on a good show of welcome for our visitors. I hope everyone will get involved and make this the most successful games to date."

Truro resident Larry Armstrong will take part in this year's cribbage competition. The 75-year old has participated in every games since the event started in 2004.

"I really look forward to seeing everyone again," said Mr. Armstrong. "In fact, it has gotten to the point where there aren't too many cribbage players I don't know. They come from all over the province to be a part of these games."

The games support the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of seniors through friendly competition, and social interaction.

"This is something we've been looking forward to since we were selected as host, and now that the event is just two months away you can feel the excitement in the community," said 55+ Games chair Creston Rudolph. "We've received outstanding support from the province, local businesses and volunteers, so we're confident that we can make this games one to remember."

The games were launched at the Cobequid Lawn Bowls Club, which will serve as a venue. The province provided $45,000 to help build the club that will continue to benefit the community for years to come.

More than 400 seniors competed in the 2011 games, and many of this year's participants will represent Nova Scotia at the 2014 national games in Alberta.

For more information visit www.novascotia55plusgames2013.ca

The province continues to make life better and more affordable for seniors and their families by supporting seniors' efforts to live independently, while working collaboratively with communities to create places where Nova Scotians can live and age well.