On Feb. 24 to 27, the City of St. Albert played host to the 2011 Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games. As chair of these games I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the citizens of St. Albert for putting on an exciting and memorable weekend of sportsmanship, culture and hospitality.
From our fabulous facilities, our delicious food, to our talented entertainers, the city was a wonderful host to the almost 1,100 participants and more than 300 non-participating guests and VIPs who descended upon us from across Alberta.
To the organizing committee, some of you who have been involved for almost three years, thank you for your commitment, passion and leadership. You have all made sacrifices in your work life and your family life to ensure the success of the games, all of which exemplifies your commitment and your passion to our great community.
To Mayor Nolan Crouse and city councils past and present, thank you for your decision to bid on the games and for your unwavering support to the organizing committee over the last two years.
Thank you to our staff that had to deal with 13 different directors and worked long days to put all our plans in place.
To all city staff, thank you for all your support, from digging out our warehouse trailer to helping with our receptions, driving buses, hanging our banner on the pedway, putting out highway signs in knee-deep snow and freezing temperatures, and for the numerous other ways you supported the games with your advice, wisdom and experience.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of St. Albert, the Saint City Rotary, the St. Albert Kinsmen, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games committee for helping with the dinner meals provided to 1,100 people each night.
To the 72 corporate and community sponsors, thank you for your financial support without which these games could not possibly succeed.
And lastly, to our “crew in blue” of more than 700 volunteers who did everything from wiping trays and tables, standing out in the cold to direct traffic, scorekeeping, ushering, offering directions, selling souvenirs, helping with medal presentation, and the many other jobs necessary to make the weekend a success, thank you for your commitment to the games. Your smiles were contagious and the joy you shared felt by everyone.
Thank you to all for a job well done.
Sandra Fenton, chair, 2011 Albert 55 Plus Winter Games, St. Albert
