Late next month, 350-360 athletes – not to mention their friends and families – will descend on Swift Current for the annual Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association (SSFC) 55+ Games. They’ll compete in events such as pickleball, bowling, cribbage, pool and golf.
They’ll also be boosting Swift Current’s restaurants, stores and hotels. It’ll be a great opportunity for local businesses – both to capitalize on the traffic increase and support the Games through sponsorships.
“It would be nice to show everyone coming to Swift Current that we have support from our local businesses for this age group specifically,” says Teagan Gader, Host Chair of the 2025 SSFC 55+ Games. “I just think about all the people we have in Swift Current who are over 55 and the businesses they access.”
There are multiple tiers of support, with opportunities for sponsorship ranging from $500 to $5,000. The Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, August 26 and Closing Ceremonies on Thursday, August 28, would especially benefit from corporate support, and vice versa.
There is also a need for volunteers at both ceremonies, as well as at the 12 events taking place at venues throughout the city between the 26th and 28th.
“As we gear up to it, we need more volunteers,” says Gader, adding that individuals interested in volunteering can find the forms to fill out on the Games’ Facebook page.
Meanwhile, the Organizing Committee has been busy renting facilities, hiring caterers and booking hotel rooms. But there’s still time for businesses and volunteers to support the Games – and for prospective athletes to sign up.
Registration windows will open Monday, August 25, between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and again the next day from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the InnovationPlex Board Room. Pickleball, which requires qualification, is not eligible for walk-ons, but most of the other sports welcome any participants aged 55 or better.
“It’s going to be a great experience being involved with people from all over Saskatchewan,” says Gader. “It’ll be a time of fun stories and good experiences.”
Businesses interested in supporting the 55+ Games can call 306-774-9127 or email swiftsocialbowl@gmail.com. Prospective volunteers can fill out the necessary form on the Games’ Facebook page. Further information about the 55+ Games can be found on the event website.