Team Yukon, with 164 participants, is set to compete in the Canada 55+ Games, which are being held this year in Quebec City, Quebec.
This biannual event, launched in 1996, has drawn a record 2,800 participants from across the country for this year’s games. Team Yukon comprises 121 Whitehorse residents, 14 Dawson residents and two residents from Marsh Lake.
Known for its unique blend of friendly competition and social connection, the games promote active, healthy lifestyles among Canadians aged 55 and older, according to the website. The multi-sport and gaming competition features 26 events ranging from track and field to golf, ice hockey, 8-ball pool and floor shuffleboard.
Twenty-six players from Team Yukon have registered for the pickleball event, making it the largest participant count among all of the sporting events. Additionally, the team has three gaming competitions, with the highest number of players participating in cribbage at ten.
ElderActive acts as the sporting governing body for this Team Yukon and notes in a media kit that the 2024 team is the largest contingent ever.
Team Yukon’s age makeup includes a significant representation from the 65-69 year group, with 51 participants. Additionally, over a third of the team consists of athletes aged 75 and older, including seven participants in the 80-89 age range. Notably, there is also one team member over 90 years old. The average age for all team members is 69.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
