Blind River’s popular Seniors Games are coming back in 2024 after not being on the town’s calendar of annual activities since 2019.
Karen Bittner, Blind Rivers director of facilities and community services told council at its meeting Tuesday evening that Tammy Roque an original games organizer has expressed interest in reviving the event.
“The event would be hosted on Friday June 7 and Saturday June 8,” Bittner said in a report to council. “The Blind River Community Centre would be the event hub; however, activities would happen throughout the municipality. This approach will ensure that a variety of seniors register for the event.”
“The 2024 Seniors Games will have new activities as Blind River has updated its infrastructure as well as reintroduced programming (movies, baseball, pickleball etc). As such,” Bittner added.
Roque is seeking support from council to ensure the event is affordable and a success. Small businesses will not be asked to donate gifts or cash to it.
Council supported the request which will include rental of the community centre through the festivals reserve, permission for town staff to apply for seniors-based grants to assist with the cost and donate $1,000 to allow organizers to purchase items and prepare for the event.
“This will allow the organizers to use registration fees for materials, insurance, fun giveaways, breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as musicians,” Bittner said.
With council’s approval, Roque plans on advertising Seniors Games as early as this month as well as having registrations available as Christmas gifts for families.
The planning and event won’t require staff time, road closures or additional support, Roque indicated.