A great sports story gets everyone on their feet, and that is exactly what unfolds each year at the All Seniors Care Seniors Games — a friendly multi-event competition in our retirement residences designed to support active aging after 60.

For many participants, it is not about records or medals, but about staying active, socially connected, and continuing to challenge themselves at every stage of life.

Today, we are proud to celebrate some remarkable ASC residents who have been participating in the Seniors Games for ten years or more. These established competitors are not only consistent participants and medal winners, they are also our greatest ambassadors. They encourage others, model perseverance, and remind us that movement and motivation have no age limit.

How ASC Athletes Over 60 Inspire Active Aging in Canadian Retirement Residences

When asked why they continue to participate, our seasoned athletes often point to the same reason: the people. While the events are enjoyable, it is the friendships, encouragement, and shared experiences that keep them coming back. The Seniors Games create a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the competition floor.

This sense of community is felt not only by residents, but also by staff across All Seniors Care. As Lisa Ediger, Executive Director at Sturgeon Creek 2, shared after attending her first ASC Seniors Games:

“This was my first ASC Seniors Games, and it was an incredible, exciting, and deeply meaningful experience. So much care and effort went into creating an unforgettable event for residents, staff, and the entire community. I’m truly grateful to everyone who contributed their time and energy to making this something I will never forget.”

Meet the Residents Who Return to Compete Year After Year

While thousands of residents step up to compete in the ASC Seniors Games, a few athletes inevitably steal the spotlight. Not just for their wins, but for the grit, wit and quiet determination behind it. These are a few of the individuals who remind us that a little competition is good for the soul.

Active Aging in Action: Myron’s Journey to Gold

Originally from Montreal, Mr. Myron Z.’s  journey eventually brought him to Aylmer, where he moved with his mother in 1994. Years later, life would lead him to Chateau Symmes retirement home and the All Seniors Care Seniors Games.

The seventy-six-year-old first participated in the Games in February 2017, and he’s been hooked ever since. Over the years, he has earned approximately 20 medals, each one a point of pride and a reflection of his dedication and love of friendly competition. There is, however, one year that stands out above the rest.

Under the theme There’s No Place Like Our Home, 2026 holds special meaning because it marks a proud milestone: winning a gold medal in Pétanque.  It is an achievement he considers his greatest moment in the Games so far.

For Myron,  the Seniors Games are about much more than medals. They represent camaraderie, shared laughter, and the joy of being part of something bigger. What keeps him coming back year after year? Quite simply, he loves the retirement residence activities and the energy that fills the community, especially during Games week.

While he didn’t expect anything in particular when he first joined, he’s noticed something meaningful along the way. The Games bring out residents who don’t participate as often as others, offering opportunity to connect and form friendships along the way.

For anyone thinking about joining the Games for the first time, his advice is simple and perfect: “Have fun.” Because that is exactly how Mr. Myron Z.  sums up the Games: Fun.

Married 68 Years and Still Competing Together at the Seniors Games

At Chapel Hill, there is a story that goes beyond friendly competition and medal wins.

In July 2026, Edith and David will celebrate 68 years of marriage. Their journeys began more than 3,000 kilometres apart — David in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, and Edith in Flin Flon, Manitoba — before eventually converging into a shared life built on partnership and perseverance.

Retirement brought them to senior living in Orléans, Ontario, and to a new rhythm. It also brought the Seniors Games. As often happens in life, what began as simply experiencing a fun event together soon became something more.

Now, Edith, 88, and David, 90, have each earned 13 medals over the last ten years. But when Edith talks about their Games, she doesn’t mention the medals, she remembers the  feeling of being part of something bigger, side by side.

“It was special to see all these ladies and gentlemen getting excited, cheering and winning medals,” she tells us.

Before long, she was part of it herself. In 2019, she won Chapel Hill’s first National Gold Medal.

“At the time, the Executive Director was giving a rundown of the Games results and how we did. We cheered with excitement before she mentioned we won a National Gold … and called my name. I will never forget it!”

For David, the year that stands out is 2025. Now competing from a wheelchair, he approached the Games the only way he ever had. “I could compete to my fullest ability; and I still compete to the best of my ability.”

For both of them, the games are about connecting with others. David values “the ability to share it with other people, especially my wife,” while Edith loves the spirit of the week, saying, “Whether you’re competing or cheering, everyone is part of it.”

They return each year for the fun, friendship, and a little healthy rivalry. More importantly, they hope that their participation encourages others to join. Newer residents see the energy, develop an interest in the Games, then often join the following year.

Their advice to first-time participants is simple: Relax and do your best. Don’t worry about the score. Just come out and enjoy yourself. The more you participate, the better you will do.

Ask them to describe the Games in one word and their answers perfectly reflect their personalities, and perhaps their years of marriage!

Edith says “Fabulous.”

David says “Competitive.”

What Does Good Sportsmanship Look Like?

At College Park I, resident Freda S. showed exactly what good sportsmanship looks like at this year’s Seniors Games, proudly bringing home four medals — three silver and one gold.

Ever unassuming, Freda described the experience as “very good,” sharing that she especially enjoyed the variety of activities, games, and entertainment offered throughout the week. One of her favourite moments was the medal presentations, along with the opening and closing ceremonies where residents gathered together and local dignitaries joined in the celebration.

After earning one medal last year, Freda was delighted to return home with four this time. She enjoys staying active and appreciates the friendly spirit of competition, noting that, while winning is exciting, participation and fun matter most.

At 98 years young, Freda took part in every event throughout the week, demonstrating that age is no barrier to determination, joy, and excellence. She encourages others to get involved, sharing that confidence often grows once someone simply gives it a try. The Regina, SK retirement home resident also spoke warmly about a fellow competitor with vision loss who approached each event with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, embodying the true spirit of the Games.

Looking ahead, she hopes to compete again if she is able. As she put it: “They are very good, and the staff do a lot of work to keep the events running. Go ahead and give it a try!”

92-Year-Old Senior Athlete Wins National Gold at the Seniors Games

At 92 years young, Len H. continues to set the gold standard for what it means to stay active, engaged, and enthusiastic about life.

A proud resident of Preston Park II, Len recently achieved an incredible milestone: winning Gold in Pétanque and the National Gold Medal in the same event in this year’s All Seniors Care Seniors Games. It’s just the latest addition to an already remarkable collection: 37 medals in total, including seven National Medals earned over the last 12 years.

Originally from Shell Lake, Saskatchewan, Len has been part of the All Seniors Care Seniors Games since 2014, joining shortly after moving into the Saskatoon retirement residence. When asked about his very first Games, he remembers it clearly … and fondly.

But, with so many ASCSG and accomplishments under his belt, Len can’t choose a stand-out moment.

“All have been pretty great,” he says. “I can’t possibly pick a best moment.”

For Len, the Games mean a lot of great things: participating alongside fellow residents, enjoying the friendly competition, and trying his very best. For  anyone thinking about joining the Games for the first time, his advice is to “Enjoy them and do the best you can do. It’s a great week to have so much fun.”

If Len had to describe the Seniors Games in just one phrase?

“Fantastic and top notch.”

Len and his wife Mary, a nurse, were among the very first couples to call Preston Park II home. Before retirement, Len spent many years in the classroom teaching, and while together, he and Mary built a life rooted in caring for others and contributing to their community.

Can Active Seniors Over 95 continue to Compete in the Seniors Games?

Absolutely! Joan and Tom have been part of the ASC Seniors Games since 2016, not long after moving into Sturgeon Creek I the year before.

At 101½ — and very proud of the half — Joan is a bright presence in the Winnipeg retirement  community. She’s bubbly, quick with a joke, and always ready to encourage others. While her hearing may not be what it once was, her smile and laughter still carry across the room.

Tom, who turns 99 this year, keeps just as busy. Known for his sharp mind, he still prepares taxes for others and can often be found in the puzzle room late into the evening, patiently working piece by piece.

This year, both returned to compete once again — proving that enthusiasm, determination, and a sense of fun never retire.

Why Should Older Adults in Winnipeg Compete in the Senior Games?

Ask Jeannie K. what the Seniors Games mean to her, and she doesn’t hesitate. “The idea of people enjoying people together,” she says. “I love the encouragement from the entire community.”

Originally from Kenora, Ontario, Jeannie moved into Seine River in the summer of 2014. Just months later, she jumped into her very first Seniors Games in 2015, a year she still remembers vividly.

“It was my first Games,” Jeannie says, “and I was asked to be the Chef de Mission!”

That first experience set the tone for everything that followed. Over the years, Jeannie has earned 26 medals, but she’s quick to point out that medals aren’t what keep her coming back.

“I come back for the fun,” she says. “For participating with others.”

And while earning so many medals is no small feat, Jeannie measures her time in the Games by more than podium finishes. What stands out most are the leadership roles she embraced along the way. “I’m really proud to have been a Chef de Mission and an Assistant during my time at Seine River.”

What surprised her most wasn’t the competition; it was what she discovered about herself along the way. “Participating in the Games gives you the belief that you can still learn and try new things,” Jeannie explains. “You can learn new skills and new games.”

The Games also opened the door to friendships she never expected. When asked if she’s made new friends as a result of participating, “Totally,” she laughs.  “So many. I talk to people I wouldn’t normally have a chance to meet or talk to.”

For anyone feeling nervous about joining the Seniors Games for the first time, Jeannie has some reassuring advice: “Don’t be worried about performance,” she says. “It’s all about participating, being active, making friends, and having fun.”

If she had to describe the Seniors Games in just one word? “AMAZING!”

And honestly,  it’s hard to argue with that.

More Than Just Fun, the Senior Games Have Purpose

It can be tempting to slow down as we get older, but research continues to show that staying active is one of the most effective ways to support physical health, cognitive wellness, and overall quality of life. Moreover, a variety of activities is the best approach!

This is reflected in the way the ASC Seniors Games are designed. With a wide range of events that challenge strength, coordination, strategy, and focus, the Games offer something for everyone. From physically active competitions to cognitively engaging events, participants can choose activities that suit their abilities, interests, and comfort levels, making the Games accessible, inclusive, and meaningful at any age.

Redefining Personal Best in Retirement Living

During the Seniors Games, “personal best” means more than distance or score. It is about challenging ourselves, staying motivated through life’s changes, and inspiring others through example. For many of our long-time athletes, showing up year after year is a point of pride that supports confidence, and continued independence.

Even athletes who do not leave with a medal walk away with meaningful experiences. They have fun, learn new things, and love participating. For many, their families and grandchildren are especially proud, seeing firsthand the benefits of staying active and engaged later in life.

If you or a loved one is looking to maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle, our senior athletes offer simple and practical advice:

• do something you enjoy,
• keep moving in ways that feel right for you, and
• commit to staying engaged.

Whether it is walking, stretching, friendly competition, or learning a new skill, the most important step is finding something that motivates you to get up and participate.

How Seniors Can Continue to Thrive at All Seniors Care

At All Seniors Care, residents thrive through daily opportunities to move, learn, and connect — whether joining group activities, cheering on friends, or discovering new interests. Our athletes over 60 show us first-hand the impact of play on longevity and purpose.

The ASC Seniors Games also remind us of what is possible at every age. The message is simple: keep moving forward, find joy in movement, and never underestimate the power of simply showing up.

If you want to learn more about life at one of our senior retirement communities in Canada, get in touch with us today and ask about residences near you. With regular group exercise activities, plus the motivation of our ASC Seniors games, you’ll be on your feet more than ever before.

Writer  – Julianna McLeod

Julianna is a health and wellness expert at All Seniors Care and our Director of Social Engagement & Communication. Her mission is to create content that empowers seniors to form sustainable solutions for lasting health and happiness. She is an experienced writer, editor, and Recreational Therapist living in Toronto.