Southern Alberta Summer Games fast approaching

By Greg Price
Taber Times
gprice@tabertimes.com

Time is ticking down if you are a Town of Taber or Municipal District of Taber resident who wants to participate in the 2015 Southern Alberta Summer Games.

“I think our community sees this as an event that is on people’s calendars every year and they look forward to it. It becomes a family event where it’s multi-generational,” said Aline Holmen, recreation manager for the Town of Taber.

“For some people, it’s a way for them to start their vacation. We always have tremendous support from people from both the M.D. and within the town. It’s an hour-fifteen minute drive away, where (locals) could go back and forth or camp there if they wish.”

Running from July 8-11 in Claresholm this year, the Taber-area contingent has had a long history of both participation with aggregate points and medal counts with its high level of participation, always finishing near the top of the list of regions whether they are hosting the Games or not. The Taber area has got a reputation at times as being a last-minute community for signing up for things as June 5 is the scheduled deadline to sign up for the Games.

“The sooner people can think about it and register, the better,” said Holmen. “It’s been 12 years since Claresholm has hosted the Games.”

Holmen highlighted new events this year for the Southern Alberta Summer Games. Along with the normal five-kilometre and 10-kilometre runs, there is a shorter 2.5-kilometre distance this time around as well.

“It’s for anybody, younger or older, or someone just starting out who feels more comfortable with the shorter distance,” said Holmen.

There is also a darts category this year for the Games in Claresholm.

People can check out the various events that are available at the Southern Alberta Summer Games by logging onto http://www.southernalbertasummergames.com. At the top of the Web site is the link for regional registration for the M.D. of Taber where a printable registration form is available online, and has to be brought into the Games office in the Grey Room of the Taber Community Centre. Registration fee is $15.

The regional directors for the Taber area are SASG veterans Emily Bradbury and Courtney Moser.

“They are both really hard-working girls who have made a lot of contacts in the community. They are awesome at promoting the Games, along with all the other events we run throughout the summer,” said Holmen.

For more information on the Southern Alberta Summer Games you can call Emily or Courtney at 403-223-5500 (ext.5561) or e-mail summerprograms@taber.ca.

“They are still looking for some coaches for the team events like soccer and baseball,” said Holmen.