Approximately 57 participants from the Zone 7 Lakeland Senior Games Association took part in the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games in Brooks & Newell County on August 17–20, 2023.
Victor Nowosad, Jessie Nowosad, Carolyn DeFord, and Frances Purschke placed third in Military Whist with 28 flags. Contract bridge players Margaret Baguley and David Clennett placed second in the +55 age group. Pickleball players Don Fluney and Gord McNeill took first place in the +70 age group, while Daryl Crooks and Janet Elliott placed fourth in the mixed under 4.0 +60 group. Fluney also placed second alongside Marilyn Noble in the mixed under 4.0 +75 pickleball. Ed Storch won gold in the 50 m, 100 m, and 200 m sprints at 79 years of age.
Storch described the weekend as hot, cold, dry, and rainy, offering just a little bit of everything for the outdoor events. He said the games were well organized, but the shale on the track made it difficult to run on.
Storch holds several national and provincial records for sprinting over the years since he first got involved when he was 57. The games are a family affair for him—his own participation arose out of a desire to spend more time with his mother, who threw javelin and was also involved in organizing. The last medal she won was a silver medal when she was 101 years old, participating against 85-year-olds. Storch had been looking forward to sharing the experience with his son Jim, although Jim was unable to compete due to other commitments. If the elder Storch qualifies for +80 races next year, he will participate in nationals in Québec. Vermilion wishes him and the other participants well.
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