Organizers in the RM of Stanley and nearby towns are calling for volunteers and participants to help run the Manitoba 55 Plus Games this summer. The competition for residents aged 55 and older will take place from June 9 to June 11, 2026, across Stanley, Morden, and Winkler, Manitoba. This event is expected to bring hundreds of athletes to the area to compete in over 20 different activities.
According to Active Aging in Manitoba, the games are designed to help older adults stay active and social. Since the national seniors’ games have been pushed back to 2028, this provincial event has become the primary goal for many athletes this year. Local organizers held information sessions earlier this month to begin filling hundreds of volunteer roles needed for hosting visitors and timing events.
The RM of Stanley is working closely with neighbouring councils to manage the logistics of the large event. Ike Friesen, the Reeve of the RM of Stanley, noted that the region can make great things happen by working together and that hosting local games removes the need for residents to travel to Winnipeg. The three municipalities previously partnered to host the 2014 Manitoba Winter Games and plan to use local facilities for sports ranging from track and field to card games.
Residents can get involved by signing up to help or by registering as athletes in events like pickleball, which organizers expect will have very high participation numbers. More details about the games and registration are available through Active Aging in Manitoba. The Canada 55 Plus Games website also provides context on the updated national competition dates.
