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RMWB selected to host participants from across the province in August 2027
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo will host the Alberta 55 plus Provincial Games in Aug. 2027.
Organizers proposed 24 activities in the RMWB bid package. The finalized list of activities coming to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo will be agreed upon between the Host Community Committee and the 55 plus Games Board.
In addition to providing development and training opportunities for future 55 plus Games athletes from the region, the provincial games are estimated to bring $3.7 million into the local economy from visiting athletes, supporters and spectators.
The region last hosted an event of this nature in 2003, when the event was called the Alberta Senior Games.
Recognition as age-friendly community sets stage for successful games
In 2024, the Municipality and its Advisory Committee on Aging (ACoA) received the Alberta Age-Friendly Recognition award from the Government of Alberta.
“Being selected as the host for the 2027 Alberta 55 Plus Games is an honour that reflects the RMWB's commitment to improve inclusion in our region,” says Kimberley MacDougall, vice chair, ACoA. “The games will highlight and celebrate older adults, while bringing recognition to the RMWB’s age-friendly designation.”
Council in full support
RMWB Council demonstrated support for the bid to host the 2027 Alberta 55 plus Provincial Games at the Nov. 26, 2024 Council meeting, when a motion to allocate $500,000 in municipal funding from Reserve Funds was carried with a 9-0 vote.
Additionally, Council pledged administrative support to the Host Community Committee to ensure the effective planning and execution of the Games.
"It’s great news to see this event return to the region, and we thank everyone involved in the successful bid and the Province for again putting its trust in us,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “We have a long history of hosting successful sports championships, and I am confident the 2027 Alberta 55 plus Games will be no exception.”
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