Big Country’s Zone 2 brought a strong contingent to the 2025 Alberta 55+ Provincial Games, held Aug. 21–24 in Leduc, with 142 athletes among more than 1,100 seniors competing from across Alberta.
Zone 2 covers a huge swath of the province, from the B.C. to Saskatchewan borders — excluding Calgary — and includes nine areas. Area 7, which encompasses Cochrane, Bearspaw, Springbank, Bragg Creek and Elbow Valley in western Rocky View County, sent 37 athletes. Together, they won 38 medals in sport competitions and six in cultural events.
Douglas Campbell, vice-president of Zone 2, said the results were “a proud moment for our athletes.”
During a Zone 2 board meeting in Cochrane on Sept. 10, several athletes gathered to share their experiences at the games and what keeps them coming back.
Brian Hill, of Harmony, has competed in track and field at several provincial and national games since turning 55, first in Calgary and now with Zone 2.
“I enjoy the competition and the relationships you build with the competitors over the years,” he said, noting that many, like himself, are long-time participants.
This year, though, he was excited to see some younger competitors in triple jump.
“You don’t normally see the younger ones in track events,” he said. “They’re either working or they go to some other games.”
Competing in the 80+ age group, Hill won gold in the 50 metres, javelin, long jump and triple jump at nationals in Quebec last summer. In Leduc, he struck gold again in the javelin, long jump and triple jump, but settled for silver in the 50 metres after being beaten by “a guy who was really fast.”
He said Leduc was a gracious host and appreciated how the local business community sponsored a luncheon.
Vladi Hudec is a newcomer to 55+ Sports, having joined just six months ago after being encouraged by Campbell. She and her partner, Kim Pearson, went on to win silver in their pickleball age group.
“I loved it,” she said. “It was amazing to see so many enthusiasts in the same spot. There were about 240 pickleball players.”
That was nothing compared to what she experienced when 1,200 people filled a hall for a function.
“It was absolutely amazing to see everyone pumped up for doing their own sport.”
Nancy Gibbie has participated in the provincial and national games since 2012, trying her hand at six or seven of the sports offered. This year, she tried bridge, something she doesn’t intend to repeat.
“It comes down to the cards you draw, something you have no control over,” she said. “But it’s always fun. You get to meet new people and catch up with people you haven’t seen in a couple of years."
She said it also offers a great opportunity to see the province and the nation.
Not wanting to boast, Joan Gunn-Allard quietly and somewhat reluctantly noted she won six gold medals in swimming — four in individual events and two in relays.
Like the others, she said the games are not only a chance to compete but an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new athletes.
Big Country president Norma Dawson, of High River, said organizers of the Leduc games overcame some early glitches, but once things were ironed out, “everybody really enjoyed themselves.”
She said it’s a great opportunity to become reacquainted with people you only see every two years.
“It’s fun to compete with the same people in your sport, but it’s also nice to meet new people.”
She added it can be challenging to get the word out and inspire people to become involved outside of their own sports and leisure circles, but it offers a unique outlet to compete, meet new people, and travel to places they might not otherwise visit.
Area 7 medalists included:
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Culture: Linda Edwards, Myrna Fink, Tracy Hindle
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Cycling: Clint Docken, Brent Gross, Ralph Hindle
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Darts: Blossom Braganza
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Floor shuffleboard: Doug Campbell
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Golf: Kim Dumanowski, Chris Logan
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Pickleball: Vladi Hudec & Kim Pearson; Steve Katulka & Gary Hawkes; Colin Gilbert & Greg Braganza; Steve Katulka & Rhonda Bews
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Slo-pitch: Dan Muhlbach, Reg MacDonald
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Swimming: Joan Gunn-Allard
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Track & field: Lynda Gross, Lyndon Emro, Brian Hill
The cancellation of the 2026 55+ Games in Winnipeg has had a ripple effect on Alberta’s organization. Zone 2 president Dawson said they have been forced to cancel their own 2026 games and will instead hold fun events to encourage physical and mental wellness for mature Albertans.
Seniors interested in joining future sporting or cultural events can visit alberta55plus.ca or contact Campbell, who is also sports co-ordinator for Cochrane Seniors on the Bow, at dec@cabsi.ca or 403-932-6866.