Julie Bertrand / Independent reporter
Four Stettler residents came back from the Alberta 55+ Summer Games in Fairview with medals around their necks.
Lorreen Beggs won one gold medal, one silver medal and one bronze medal all in crafts, while Marlene Tiegs won one gold medal and two bronze medals all in crafts. Fred Bozek and David Brown were part of the team that won the gold medal in 65+ Men’s slo-pitch.
The Town of Fairview, with a population of just over 2300, did a great job of hosting the Games.
They were able to provide over 700 volunteers to make these Games happen for the 871 participants from across Alberta that attended them. Three days of rain didn’t dampen their spirits, and their crews went above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best possible grounds for the events that were humanly possible.
After all the events were finished, Zone 4 (Central Alberta) ended up in first position in the medal count with 38 gold, 29 silver, and 31 bronze, for a total of 90 medals. Zone 3 (Calgary) finished second, with 74 medals. Being in first place awarded Zone 4 the “Alberta 55 plus Zone Championship Trophy” for the first time ever.
Fairview provided entertainment at many of the venues with great local talent. They even brought in a dance floor on the soggy ball diamond grounds for the visitors to kick up their heels on.
The sun finally appeared on the fourth day for the finals in slo-pitch and the Closing Ceremonies.
It was a welcome sight and matched the warmth and friendliness of the people of Fairview.