News

Good morning fellow members,

Well, it’s that time of year when the leaves are turning and the days and nights are getting just a little cooler. Some of you might have even experienced your first snowfall already…brr!

Here’s hoping that you took advantage of this past Thanksgiving long weekend and spent some quality time with family and friends, perhaps reminiscing about the good old days (like maybe even yesterday)

Across Alberta and our respective zones, there have been numerous Provincial Games qualifiers taking place in preparation for the Edmonton Winter Games and the Peace Region Summer Games. Your Activity Directors and most likely your entire Zone Board, have been extremely busy planning and organizing these events for you. Please take the time to say thank you when you’re speaking with them. It’s a monumental task that requires a great deal of dedication.

I have been receiving numerous enquiries about our Covid protocols and our approach to the whole vaccination scenario. I can certainly understand and appreciate all those concerns. They are being felt by all Albertans right now.

Currently, Alberta55 plus is not requiring our members to be double vaccinated or to provide proof of said vaccine. We believe it is not in our mandate to infringe on people’s personal rights to choose. We also believe it’s not our role to insist that members are forced to “get the jab” in order to participate in our qualifiers and Provincial Games. What we have agreed upon is that we will follow all Alberta Health- Public Health Measures that are currently in place, and at the time of the actual event, as well as any municipal by-laws that may be in place at that time. We have also agreed to follow all the requirements put into effect by any club, business, organization, facility, venue that require proof of vaccination or the appropriate medical documentation stating exemptions. These requirements are different of course for outdoor and indoor activities. Currently for example, you are not allowed to gather indoors if you are unvaccinated. I don’t want there to be any surprises (or disappointed members) when they show up for their event, only to be turned away because they cannot provide proof of vaccination at a particular venue. Admittedly, there may be a few businesses out there that do not require this proof, but the vast majority are asking for it, so please be prepared and have all your documents in order.

We have never wavered in our commitment to our members in providing a safe event for them to attend. We will have all the necessary supplies (masks, spray, sanitizer) available at all events and we will be following all social distancing protocols that are in place. All capacity restrictions will be strictly adhered to especially where occupancy is limited according to AHS guidelines. Already, most of you will have signed our Covid waiver which reminds you that not every member you encounter or compete against will be vaccinated. We are hopeful however that most, if not all, will be double vaxxed.

I am excited at the prospect of our upcoming Provincial Games and I commit to doing our best to provide you a safe, healthy environment to enjoy and participate in them. We missed out on our last set of Games, I’m very glad that we are in a position to get these ones in, and for those who so choose, move on to the next level at the Canada Games in Kamloops, BC.

Stay healthy, stay vigilant, stay informed…

Dave Finn
President
Alberta55 plus