By Nadia Schultz
The Pretenders added another gold medal to their collection at the 43rd Manitoba 55+ Games, continuing a remarkable run of success in five-pin bowling competition.
Competing at Carman 5 Pin Bowl, the team of Mike Baziuk, Bob Wilson, Jacquie Russell, Laurie Wiebe, David Dyck and Randy McFarlane captured gold in the 55-plus division, extending their medal streak to four consecutive Games.
David Dyck, left, earned silver in the men’s singles competition while Jacquie Russell captured gold in the women’s singles division during five-pin bowling competition at the Manitoba 55+ Games in Carman
Their collection now includes three gold medals and one bronze.
“It feels pretty good to be as fortunate as we have been over the past number of years, although not placing in the medals is not too disappointing for us,” said Wilson, one of the winning teammates. “We compete to the best of our abilities and if good things happen, it’s a bonus.”
The team also enjoyed individual success during the competition. Dyck earned silver in men’s singles, while Russell captured gold in women’s singles.
Wilson has been bowling since 1977, travelling from coast to coast through the sport, and said the Games provide a rewarding opportunity to remain active while enjoying friendly competition.
He described the Manitoba 55+ Games as a “fun way to get out and stay active.”
“The atmosphere at the games is light and friendly. Everyone encourages each other and every team is genuinely happy about the success of others. That’s one of the things that keep us going back,” said Wilson.
Although the team’s youngest bowler has now aged out of the 55-plus category, The Pretenders will continue competing together in the 65-plus division going forward.
The bowling competition was part of the 43rd Manitoba 55+ Games, which brought more than 1,300 competitors to southern Manitoba this week. The annual event, organized by Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), is the province’s largest multi-sport competition for older adults.
Supported by sponsor PlayNow and approximately 150 volunteers, the Games featured events across Morden, Winkler, Stanley and Carman, including nine- and 18-hole golf, pickleball, bocce ball, cribbage, arts and crafts, five-pin bowling and more.
“At Active Aging in Manitoba our mandate is to provide ways for older Manitobans to be active as they age. The health benefits of remaining active are so important to help older adults stay independent,” said Linda Brown, executive director of AAIM.
Brown said the organization works hard with sponsors to keep the Games affordable while rotating the event throughout the province to ensure accessibility.
“Many of our participants have been in the Games for many years and they look forward to seeing each other each year at the Games,” she said.
The Manitoba 55+ Games provide aging Manitobans an opportunity to enjoy friendly competition while participating in activities they know and love or trying something new. Registration is open to anyone who meets the age requirements, regardless of skill level.
The Games continue next week with lawn bowling from June 16 to 18 at the Dakota Lawn Bowling facility in Winnipeg.
AAIM has also announced that the 44th Manitoba 55+ Games will be held in Minnedosa from June 8 to 10, 2027.
Wilson said he and his teammates are already looking ahead to next year’s event.
“We don’t like to miss out,” he said.
For more information about the Manitoba 55+ Games or Active Aging in Manitoba, visit activeagingmb.ca or call 204-632-3947.
