City has been asked to host 55-plus games
By Collin Gallant on June 26, 2018.
Medicine Hat News The city has been asked to step in and host the 2019 Alberta 55-plus summer games, a multi-sport event that could draw 1,000 competitors to Medicine Hat. The revelation was made during Monday’s public services committee meeting at city hall, where requests for formal support and for a $50,000 grant was made. If approved at the July 3 council meeting, the multi-sport event would be held July 4-9, 2019. Ken Sauer, of the Medicine Hat Games Society, told the committee the games organization approached his group saying another host city had dropped out and that even with relatively short notice the city would do a great job. “Our reputation has preceded us,” Sauer told the committee, stressing that due to the cancellation, there’s no bid protocol, and the games are Medicine Hat’s if council wants them. Hosting the games has been endorsed by the Medicine Hat Games Society, the Sport and Event Council, and the city’s senior citizens advisory committee. “It’s a great event and we know Medicine Hat is ready for it.” Last year the city hosted the Provincial Special Olympics summer games, and in 2016, the Alberta Winter Games coincided with the opening of the Canalta Centre. Sauer also said the timing works well, considering the new Veiner Centre will be open and ready to show off to visitors. Visitor spending on accommodations and promotion of the city to the 55-plus demographic are other benefits. “It has sort of fallen in our laps,” said Coun. Jim Turner. “We’d be crazy not to do it.” Sports included are golf, swimming, tennis, horseshoes and cycling, as well as bridge and cribbage. The 2019 provincial winter games will be held in Cold Lake. The item moves on to council’s July 3 agenda for final approval. The $50,000 community grant would be paid from city council’s contingency fund, and only if the bid is successful. The entire budget would be about $250,000, said Sauer. Registrations would account for $65,000, and the remaining $135,000 in grants, fundraising, sponsorships and donations. 17-16
