Plans are being finalized for the SSFA 55 Plus Games, which will be held in Weyburn from Sunday, July 16 to Wednesday, July 19.

The most pressing concern is finding enough billets for all the athletes. As of Friday, 350 athletes have registered with last-minute registrations still being processed.

While the weather has not been a deterrent to registrations, accommodations have been. To date, only 10 people in the Weyburn area have put their names forward to serve as billets, way below the numbers needed.

"We were expecting 800 athletes but there wasn't enough hotel space for them all," said games employee Nikki Rudachyk. "We are hoping as the games get closer that we'll get more."

Volunteers are another valuable commodity which is in short supply. Volunteer co-ordinator Lynn Johnston said the games committee needs 10 more people to bring the event results from the venues to the central office for tabulation. Scorekeepers are also needed at the snooker venue. In all 20-30 people are needed to help ensure the games run smoothly. If you want to volunteer, contact Lynn Johnston at the Wheatland Seniors Centre.

Local businesses have come on board to provide services and products to the games organizing committee. Sponsorships chairman Don Byrnes said they received from $5,500 to $6,000 in cash and about another $10,000 in in-kind donations.

"We are a little behind where we wanted to be in cash donations, but way ahead on in-kind donations," said Byrnes.

Byrnes added the in-kind donations allowed the games to remain close to the break-even point. More donations are needed. For information contact Don Byrnes.

Ceremonies chairwoman Marlene Nedelcov said the provincial government confirmed Associate Minister of Health Judy Junor would be attending the opening ceremonies. Souris-Moose Mountain MP Roy Bailey will also be in attendance. Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA Brenda Bakken has sent regrets.

The opening ceremonies will feature a performance by the Johner Brothers, who have just returned from a tour of the war-torn regions of Bosnia-Herzegovina.