Local sponsors kick start 55 Plus Games support

Alberta 55+ Summer Games   

 

The Strathmore 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games is starting to rally financial support, and local supporters are taking the lead. As of June 6, the Friends of the Games committee has raised approximately $100,000 of in-kind donations from local businesses. Strathmore will host the 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games July 16-19, 2015. Local sponsors are seeing the games as both a community and professional opportunity. 

The Strathmore Times has become a games media partner. Mario Prusina, Strathmore Times publisher, says, “as Strathmore’s only locally owned and operated newspaper, we feel it is important to support the community. The Strathmore 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games will provide the local economy a shot in the arm and we are excited to be part of it.” 

The games will bring 1,500 attendees from eight zones, spanning across the entire province, to Strathmore to compete in 17 sport and cultural events. Hundreds of tourists, spectators and volunteers are also expected to set foot in the town.  

“Hopefully the games will influence more and more people to visit our community and indirectly help the growth and economy for Strathmore,” says Gold Key Insurance & Registry operators and Companion of the Games sponsors, Jayson and Julia Marshall. “The event is good exposure for the town. Supporting the games was something we were able to do as a 24 year Strathmore family-owned business. We hope to continue that support for many more years to come.” 

In June 2013, The Town of Strathmore won the bid to host the 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games. The Games will leave a lasting legacy of community upgraded facilities and provincial exposure. 

“We are not just hosting multiple athletic competitions that we hope will inspire increased local participation, but we will showcase our corner of Alberta to representatives from all over the province,” said Donalda Ledene, chair of the 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games. “Once our visitors have had a taste of local hospitality and enjoyed their weekend in Strathmore, I am confident they will spread the word of what a great place our town is and will return.”

The Town of Strathmore, Alberta Sport, and local sponsors’ contributions bring the event’s total to-date fundraising efforts to just over $370,000, only 37 per cent of the event’s need of $1 million. Cash and in-kind donations are needed to help upgrade facilities, host the event, and promote the games. 

The Strathmore 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games offers a variety of business and personal sponsorship opportunities. If your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Cave Starling at 403-850-7000. To personally become a volunteer, contact Bruce Bishop at 403-888-9914. If you would like to open your home to participants through billeting, contact Jackie Lozeron at 403-934-2976.