On June 10, the Minto Retirees Activity Group will be hosting its first Senior’s Olympics Day in Harriston.
Ross Wilkie, of the seniors’ advisory committee, said the day will offer opportunities for participation in a wide variety of events at several locations in Harriston. A wheelchair access shuttle will be available to assist participants getting to different venues. All skill levels are welcome, from novice to expert.
Activities include euchre, pool, shuffleboard, a guided trail walk, cribbage, Crokinole, lawn bowling, darts, bridge, and pepper.
The Harriston Legion will act as the host site, offering coffee and fellowship at the beginning of the day, at 9am. Morning activities are topped by lunch served by the Harriston Legion ladies. Following the afternoon events is a wrap-up at the Legion at 3:30pm.
The shuttle bus will ensure participants are at the right place at the right time.
Advance registration is required and must be received by May 31. The $15 fee includes participation in the activities, lunch, transportation, and prizes.
Registration forms are at the Minto town office during regular business hours or the Harriston Legion (Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm) – or by calling 519-338-3707 or 519-338-2511 ext. 40.
The day provides an opportunity for fun, non-competitive events, to renew and establish friendships, and to see venues available to Minto residents.
The group hopes to make it an annual event. Wilkie wanted to make council aware of it.
“The town is a sponsor, along with the In Motion committee, the Seniors Centre of Excellence and the Harriston Legion. Its objectives are to get retirees more active in the community “to get them out and about,” and the second objective is to promote the town.
“It’s not a profit event, it’s strictly running on costs. We’d like to invite everyone to attend. You don’t necessarily need to be a retiree,” Wilkie said.
The committee has existed for three years and operated a number of activities.
He said the other intent is to move the event from community to community in subsequent years. “It’s strictly recreational, not competitive.”
Councillor Rick Hembly quipped, “So there will be no UFC wrestling?”
Wilkie chuckled, “Not this year. But if you like, it’s election year, so if you guys want to wrestle for position on council we can add it.”
