2025 Ontario 55+ Summer Games opening in Sudbury
About 800 athletes from across Ontario are in Sudbury to compete in the Games, which open on August 5
More than 800 athletes from across Ontario who are over the age of 55 have travelled to Sudbury this week, to compete in the 2025 Ontario 55+ Summer Games.
The 20th anniversary edition of the games begin on August 5 and run until August 7, with an opening ceremony taking place Tuesday night at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre in Sudbury.
Athletes will compete in 16 different sports and games, including cycling, golf, slo-pitch, swimming, pickleball and tennis, as well as games like bocce, cribbage, euchre, bowling, shuffleboard, and darts. Events will be held throughout the Greater Sudbury area, from Hanmer to Naughton.
"When you look at all the events that participants are going to be doing, it's quite varied," said Heather Henke from Stratford, Ontario, who is in Sudbury hoping to win a medal in pickleball.
The Summer Games are being hosted by the Ontario Senior Games Association, with a number of social functions, including a gala dinner and an outdoor concert being offered for the athletes and their families.
Danika Forget is part of the organizing team for the games, and says the turnout of local volunteers has been impressive.
"We have over 230 volunteers on board as of right now. That being said, we are always excited to welcome more volunteers. The more the merrier," said Forget.
She added that preparation and setting up for the games has been going well ahead of the Opening Ceremonies.
"There are a lot of pieces in motion right now and we're quite confident that everything will come together come game day."
It's estimated that the Ontario 55+ Summer Games will generate about $1.5 million in economic activity for the Sudbury area.