A group of Portage la Prairie seniors gathers weekly at the Herman Prior Activity Centre for casual snooker matches, blending friendly competition with social connection during the winter months. The league, which runs from October to April, attracts nearly 50 players aged 55 and older, many of whom return year after year for the low-stakes camaraderie.
League structure fosters flexibility
Participants like Andy Fletcher, a first-time full-season player, emphasize the accessibility of the program. Newcomers can join as substitutes or regulars, with partners rotated annually to balance skill levels.
Andy Fletcher notes the appeal of the activity for retirees.
"This why we play pool. Well, number 1 is that there’s not much else to do when you’re 80 years of age. So, you start looking for little things that you can do, and pool is one of them. Yeah. Hence, good sociability. Lots of people to meet with and talk with."
The league’s playoff phase, open to all players regardless of regular-season performance, wraps up next week. While no trophies are awarded, winners earn bragging rights—and a spot on the centre’s wall of recognition.
Playoffs prioritize participation over trophies
Longtime participant Don Adams explains the league’s emphasis on inclusivity.
"It starts in late October and goes until, well, early April and then they have a playoff. Everybody makes the playoffs… We’d never come close to winning. And the way it works is they switch partners every year."
Players praise Herman Prior's staff and services, including its daily meals, though Fletcher jokes he's “not old enough yet --- ” to qualify for the lunch program. The league resumes in October, with organizers encouraging interested players to add their names to the waitlist.
For details, contact the Herman Prior Activity Centre.
