The first ever Canada Senior Games was held in 1996 in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Senior games provides an excellent opportunity to test talent and skill, while enjoying the company of competitors and friends.

Events included Contact Bridge, Cribbage, Darts, 5 Pin Bowling, Golf, Horseshoes, Lawn Bowling, Shuffleboard, Snooker, Swimming, Tennis, Track, and Novice Cycling. The games were held from September 11-15, 1996. There were 500 participants from 6 provinces.

The idea of a National Senior Games came about from the on going Provincial Senior Games, each being held by a Provincial Sport Association.

The following comes from the Canada Senior Games 96 Official Souvenir Program:

The purpose of the Games is to promote participation by all seniors n an active and enjoyable lifestyle. thus the Canada Senior Games are a means to an end - the promotion of activities for all seniors. Each event at the Canada Senior Games is composed of some combination of Physical Activity, Socialization and/or Mental Stimulation. the key principles are participation and fun.

• Protection against coronary heart disease and diabetes
• Improvement of heart and lung functioning
• Development and maintenance of strength, flexibility and balance
• Reduction in muscle and bone problems, increase in mobility
• Increase in bone mineral content
• Improvement in the prevention of osteoporosis
• Minimizes the decline in aerobic power
• Lowers blood pressure
• Improvement in psychological well-being
• Increases in self-confidence and self-esteem
• Increase in independence and enjoyment of life
• Decrease in anxiety and nervous tension
• Increases the opportunity to develop friendships
• Decrease in reliance on healthcare and social services
• Decrease in the occurrence of psychosomatic illness
• Extension of life expectancy

Created by TriDesign group
Last modified October 21, 1997.