Marketing director lauds dedicated organizers of North York Senior Games Leisureworld sponsorship in fourth year   Tuesday April 6, 2010 -- Lisa Bailey With the 28th annual North York Senior Games fast approaching, Leisureworld's Andrea Levine is well aware of the enthusiasm and hard work that makes them happen. "It's something that takes a lot of time and effort but the people are so passionate about it," says Levine, a four-year member of the games committee. "Their whole hearts are into this," she says. Levine, who is Leisureworld's director of marketing, notes many of the games' planners are seniors themselves. And there are those who have worked behind the scenes for years. Ilse Verwey handles publicity and has been a participant for 16 years. She is in her 80s and, as a retired nurse, she says she knows the value of preventive medicine and the games' benefits to seniors. "It's for camaraderie, it's for mental and physical fitness and for promoting wellness," she says. Set to begin April 14, the North York games will feature 19 activities at various venues throughout the region, with the final day of competition set for June 7. The passive and active activities are "especially geared to older people," Verwey says, noting they range from bowling, golf and tennis to bid euchre, chess and cribbage. Winners will be eligible for the provincial games, which are called Actifest and held only in even-numbered years, as well as the national event. This year, for the first time, both the provincial and national senior games will take place in Ontario. North York is one of 39 districts in Ontario to hold these amateur level games but among only a handful to stage most of its activities for free, Verwey says, crediting the event's many sponsors including Leisureworld. With fees charged for only a few activities, organizers hope to attract as many participants as possible. "We're trying to encourage our baby boomers and oldies to get going and come out of hibernation and take part in this wonderful setup because it's almost completely free of charge. We've got wonderful sponsors, including Leisureworld," Verwey says. This support is also allowing organizers to, for the first time, give participants free draw ballots for items donated by sponsors. Levine, who works on sponsorship and promotion as a games committee member, says Leisureworld is part of a community partnership facilitating activity and fitness among seniors. "It's something in which seniors participate and it's important for us to support those that are able, and it's just amazing to go and watch these seniors," she says. Leisureworld, which is the only long-term care provider among the sponsors, has homes in the North York area and encourages staff, residents and family members to get involved in this local event however they can, even if it's just joining the crowds of delighted spectators. To learn more about the Games, click here. If you have feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-295-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.ca.