The Manitoba 55+ Games is underway in Portage la Prairie.

The opening ceremony kicked things off at 9 a.m. today with words from MLA Ian Wishart, Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care Scott Johnston, and Mayor Sharilyn Knox, among others. Knox is always impressed by Portagers' willingness to lend a helping hand for great events like this.

"We live in an incredible community with incredible volunteers. It's always exciting to go to these events and see a lot of the same faces. We find that once people get involved, they stay involved," Mayor Knox explains. "The host committee and the volunteers here are going to put on a great few days for these athletes."

The event is running for three days in Portage, and then the following three days, the games will go virtual. Knox says this is a great opportunity to show off the Portage community to the 900+ competitors who will be in town between today and Thursday.

"I wish everyone here visiting our community, our island on the prairies, to have a great time. If you're not participating in your events, make sure you get out and see our beautiful city," Mayor Knox continues. "I'm thrilled that we're using not only the city, but also the RM, with bowling out in Southport. It's great to see athletes all over our region.

This is what the 55+ games have in store for today:

5 Pin Bowling - Singles @Southport, 10:30 a.m.
18 Hole Golf @Portage Golf Club, 10:30 a.m.
Pickleball - Women @Stride Place, 10:30 a.m.
Snooker - Singles @Portage Legion/Herman Prior Centre, 10:30 a.m. 
Slo-Pitch @Rotary Republic Park, 10:30 a.m. 
Swimming @Stride Place, 1:00 p.m.
Cribbage - Singles @Portage Legion, 2:00 p.m. 
Arts & Crafts - Article drop-off @Portage Legion, 10:30 a.m./Judging takes place in the afternoon

All of today's activities will wrap up between 4 and 4:30. More events will begin tomorrow, such as bridge, bocce ball, horseshoes, track, and a 3-kilometre predicted run/walk. Mayor Knox has one sport, in particular, she's really looking forward to watching.

"Honestly, I'm going to check out some of the pickleball," says Knox. "It is the fastest-growing sport in North America, so I'd like to see maybe a few games in action."

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