It’s been more than year since the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games came to St. Albert, but its surplus, as well as some rebates and a grant, have paid dividends to several local groups.
A news release last week revealed that, by finishing the games with a sufficient surplus, the St. Albert committee had qualified for a $25,000 Alberta Sport Recreation Parks and Wildlife Foundation grant. Combined with some federal rebates, the committee had $172,000 to disperse for its legacy distributions.
“There is always a desire to reach a certain level, to leave behind a games’ legacy and part of what those games do for the community,” said Fenton.
But the grants announced are not restricted to facilities that help individuals over the age of 55 — Fenton said the committee wanted to open the legacy distribution up to the entire community.
“We felt very strongly that the theme would be one of community involvement and intergenerational synergy,” Fenton said. “We had decided we wanted to do something different.”
First the committee decided to donate $40,000 to Servus Credit Union Place, which hosted many of the events during the four days of events last February. The money is earmarked for enhancements to the indoor track on the third floor.
“We certainly believed very strongly that the games would not have been successful if we had not had the facility there,” Fenton said. “We’re fortunate we did have the facility.”
A total of eight community groups received funding from the balance of funds, some making multiple requests for different programs they offer. The St. Albert National Aboriginal Day Celebration Society received all or partial funding for the purchase of a teepee and tent, funding a seniors opry, but did not receive anything for its Métis Traditional Dance Classes.
The St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club also received two grants, both of which were fully funded. The first was $7,000 for the purchase of a new piano for the club’s Groovy Gang choir, while a second grant for $12,000 will pay for new card tables, a new sound system, board room chairs, window coverings and Scrabble boards.
“I think it’s fantastic and couldn’t be more pleased,” said club executive director Chantelle Labrecque. “We are very, very grateful.”
While the games predated her arrival at the club, Labrecque hypothesized it was the club’s involvement that helped. The money is also welcome as it can be used for buying items for the club instead of merely operational funding.
Before the games, the club had received a $3,000 grant to upgrade its pool tables for the games.
The Community Information and Volunteer Centre will stand to receive the most money out of the legacy program. It had requested $50,000 but received $39,500 to fund its volunteer centre co-ordinator position. The centre will, however, receive any remaining funds once the games’ society officially shuts down and closes out its bank account.
“This was certainly a gift and we were very privileged to be a part of the games and part of the legacy,” said Pat Phelan, the centre’s director of volunteer centre services.
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St. Albert 2011 55 Plus Winter Games Legacy
Received
Community Information and Volunteer Centre $39,500
Kidsport Alberta — St. Albert chapter $10,000
Friends of the Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival Society $25,000
St. Albert Rugby Football Club $20,000
St. Albert National Aboriginal Day Celebration Society $6,000 total
St. Albert Nordic Ski Club $10,000
St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club – Groovy Gang $7,000
St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club $12,000
Visual Arts Studio Association $2,500
