These 32 happy smiles reflect the fun and camaraderie of friendships made while making history on Sept. 22 and 23 in the Annapolis Valley during the 2011 Nova Scotia 55+ Games.

After I discovered NS 55+ Games and that it did not include women's hockey as a competition, I advocated for our sport. It was accepted as a 'Demonstration Sport' this year and we were allowed to lower the age to 50+ due to the developmental nature of this senior age group. In NS, we are the oldest women hockey players who are actively playing hockey! These women came from all over the province to participate. In fact, this is the very first time-ever women hockey players have played in a 50+ tournament in NS (that we are aware of). And we are being told that NS was the first province to launch 50+ women's hockey during the provincial senior games across Canada this year (as a Demonstration Sport).

I can't thank the entire Board of the NS 55+ Games enough for giving us this thrilling opportunity! It was a huge success! Ladies wearing grey jerseys won the Gold Medals; blue jerseys won Silver; gold jerseys won the Bronze. But I believe "Everyone is a winner because we all made it successful together!" Now I have my sights on advocating for our sport to be established as an 'included competition' not only with the NS 55+ Games, but also nationally, with the Canada 55+ Games. "We don't stop playing because we get old; We get old because we stop playing!" See you on the ice! — Debbie Macdonald Gray (RE/MAX nova)