Cochrane area 55 plus athletes lead Zone 2 in medals at the Alberta 55 Plus Provincial Fall Games in High Prairie, Sept. 14-16.

The area athletes returned with five bronze medals. Nancy and Karl Gibbie won bronze in bocce (55+) with partners Debbie and Ed Michel, Gleischen. Nick Radmanovich also claimed bronze with partner Lee Smith, of Sundre. Bronze also went to Dan Stuehrenberg and Doug Campbell in the 55 plus category of floor shuffleboard.

There were about 280 competitors, aged 55 to 94, playing in the fall games, representing the province's eight zones. Cochrane is in Zone 2, or the Big Country Seniors Sports Society, that runs from Lake Louise to High River, Strathmore to Oyen, Drumheller to Olds. There were 11 sporting events, including bocce, bowling, carpet bowling, cribbage, darts, duplicate bridge, euchre, floor curling, floor shuffleboard and military whist, as well as arts and crafts.

While the medals are great, the emphasis of 55 Plus Sports is staying active through participation through a series of athletic, sociable and artistic endeavours.

The next local event will be an 8-ball pool tournament on Sept. 25 in Cochrane. Any interested players should contact Nick Radmanovich at 403-932-2993.