Some Airdrie athletes are taking part in the first-ever Alberta Masters Games for athletes over the age of 30 that got underway last night (August 22) in Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County.  

Over 1,000 people are taking part in the games that run through Sunday.  Don Wilson with the Alberta Sport Connection says the interest in the inaugural games exceeded expectations.  "Honestly, we thought if we could get 600 that would be pretty successful. We're ecstatic with a thousand people."  By the August 1st registration deadline, competitors had entered from 98 different Alberta communities.  Six of them are from Airdrie.

The Masters Games include Indigenous Games that will see Nick and Kendra Kolomyja from Airdrie both taking part.  Nick is in the male Tomahawk Throw with Kendra competing in the same event for the women.  Both events begin later today.  Teri Moore from Airdrie will take part in the 16 team Mixed Slo-Pitch tournament that runs over the next two days.

Tomorrow Airdrie's Linda Bruce will be out on the Trail Running course competing in the female 50 to 59 age category.  Randy Molitor will take part in the same event for men 60 to 69.  Chris Bentley from the city will try his legs on the cycling course riding in the male 40 to 49 Cyclo-Cross.

The plus 30 athletes should be well entertained at the games.  The outdoor concerts feature the likes of Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, Sass Jordan and Russell deCarle of Prairie Oyster.  

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