Mike Faille was a pioneer in the development of 55+ Games in Canada. He was part of a group of seniors who were instrumental in initiating “Senior Games” in Alberta in the late 70’s. As a result the first Alberta Senior Games were held in Mike’s home town of Camrose in 1980 – the first provincial games in Canada.

The Alberta games became the model for subsequent games in other provinces. He was a large influence in the encouragement of the first national games held in Regina, Sask. in 1996. As a result of these games the somewhat informal group of individuals scattered throughout the country became the Canadian Senior Games Association. 

With Mike’s encouragement as the Alberta Director as well as National Vice-President, Medicine Hat agreed to host the second National Games in 1998.

The newly formed national body was hard pressed to find operating funds. Mike supported the initiation of a small program fee to be paid by all those who participated in games at the provincial level which was forwarded to the national body to help defray operating expenses. He was solely responsible for the policy of instituting a national registration fee charged to all those who entered the national games to be collected by the host committee as part of the national games registration fee and forwarded to the national body- the ongoing stewards of games in Canada. Because of Mike’s leadership and long service he was made an Honorary Life Member upon his departure from the organization.

Sadly Mike passed away in Canmore, Alberta on March 13, 2011 at the age of 90.