Checklist

Game Choices

Choosing your core and demonstration games are always a fun part of the process. There are some tips regarding the scheduling of some events.

• Crib, Scrabble, 45s, Duplicate Bridge, and Contract Bridge is often played by the same group of players so spreading them out amongst different days will allow more people to participate.

• Track & Field should be scheduled so participants in long-distance runs (5km and 10km) can also run the 3,000m as there is often overlap there.

• 5km and 10km Running should be scheduled in the morning or afternoon. Run Nova Scotia advises that seniors partake in physical activity in the morning rather than evening and nighttime.

• Pickleball should run with Men’s and Women’s on one day and Mixed on another as many competitors do both their own gender’s stream and mixed.

• Hockey (specifically Men’s) needs to be communicated early on as teams need time to prepare.

• Demonstration sports can be as unique as you want, there are no limits here.

• All sports that are somewhat physical (hockey, soccer etc.) should have an indicator that’s optional to indicate that someone is more vulnerable to injury (e.g. oldest person on the ice, bad knee etc) and players should give space to this person.

Marshalls

Gathering marshalls is essential to ensuring the games run smoothly please find some tips regarding marshalls below:

• Try to secure marshalls ~1 year in advance

• All marshalls should emphasize fair play and safety rules as some of the sports get rather intense

• Contract Bridge Marshalls can be an experienced bridge player

• Duplicate Bridge Marshalls must be sanctioned - this is a far more complex game and rules

• 45s Marshalls MUST explain the rules beforehand as 45s is played differently around the province (posting these rules nearby also helps)

• Pickleball Marshalls should be from Pickleball Nova Scotia - they must know and be able to lay down Kitchen Lines etc.

• Running Marshalls usually can be attained from Run Nova Scotia

Opening & Closings

Opening and Closing Ceremonies have significant portions that are up to your choice like entertainment. However, the following are required (in order typically):

Opening ceremonies

• Parade of Participants

  • Banners of each region are carried and the participants rally behind the venue and are marched into Opening Ceremonies - imagine Opening Ceremonies at the Olympics

  • The parade starts with volunteers carrying flags of the province, the NS 55+ Games (should reach out to BOD), and the host municipality

  • The parade could also include dignitaries

• Short speeches from dignitaries such as the MLA, MP, Mayor etc. but these MUST NOT be political, just supportive

  • The President of the NS 55+ GS should also be invited to say a few words

• Athlete’s Oath (in FR and EN)

  • Usually, 2 participants are chosen by the Host Committee to read it

• Declaration of the Games being open

  • This can be done by the President, Honourary Chair of the Local Games, or Chair of the Host Committee

• Entertainment

  • Usually something regional like Scottish dancing and Mi'kmaq performances.

• Per COVID restrictions, this could be moved outside but there should also be a rain/thunderstorm plan

closing ceremonies

• Very few speeches

  • But a few thank you speeches, recognitions, and an announcement of the location of the next games is typical

Note: The Games cannot be officially closed until Curling is over (usually November)

Fun stuff

• About 2,000 medals are handed out each year - ordering early is advised.

• Regional colour promotion is advised to encourage the regional spirit

  • Cape Breton - Green

  • Highlands - Red

  • Central - Blue

  • Fundy - Purple

  • Valley - Yellow

  • South Shore - Orange

• Spirit Events are a fun addition to add the social, regional pride, and sportsmanship aspects

  • Dress-up or mascot competitions

  • Top Regional Spirit and Top Regional Sportsmanship are all good ways to promote this