Arrows Anyone? Darts, the Most Social Sport

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Regardless of the sport s origin, or perhaps because of it, the community and social advantages of Darts seem to have stuck with us.

1 Zone 2 July 2018 Newsletter Editor Corinne Berkin Arrows Anyone? Darts, the Most Social Sport There is a perception that Darts are played only in pubs and taverns where drinking is the main event. Today however, Dart tournaments are held in over 70 different countries and are not confined to drinking establishments. Regardless of the sport s origin, or perhaps because of it, the community and social advantages of Darts seem to have stuck with us. As physical strength or endurance are not determining factors for success, Darts is a sport in which people with less mobility can participate either competitively or socially, allowing them to remain active and connected in their community. Although its not so much about medals, it goes without saying that Ginny is proud of the Bronze Medal she received at the BC Seniors Games in Trail 2009 where she competed in Mixed Doubles. For Ginny & Fred Greene, our Zone 2 Dart coordinators, Darts has been a very social sport. Ginny s cold hands in curling drove her indoors to play Darts at the Senior Centre in Port Alice where she co-incidentally met Fred 16 + years ago. Ginny and Fred were not only attracted to each other, but also to the idea that Darts was inexpensive, low impact and easy to learn. That said, easy to learn does not mean easy to win. Like any sport, winning medals in Darts takes a lot of skill and practise. For us it is not so much the medals, they told me. You get to know all the regulars. The people are great and very encouraging. Improving your Darts also builds your self esteem. Fred and Ginny know that like any other sport you can get into a slump once in awhile. The idea is not to be too hard on yourself Fred explained, nor too hard on your partner either. Most noticeably a slump occurs upon checking out, which is ending the game on a double in order to win. In a slump you just can t seem to finish, shooting either over or under that double. When I asked her about any embarrassing moments Ginny jumped right in with her anecdote. It was a case of darts gone wild at the Senior Centre, she exclaimed! One of the darts kicked back after hitting the metal on the dart board and in her haste to grab the dart Ginny nicked her left ear lobe and drew blood. As a seasoned Dart player that is very embarrassing, she said with a chuckle. As a novice in Darts there are always guidelines in the way to do things, Fred continued, but I ve discovered that each person must learn to develop their own style,. As an example of style, both Ginny and Fred suggested that I talk to their friend Lucy Wallis. They call her the Checkout Queen. Article by Corinne Berkin The two contend that over time she has probably doubled out as much, if not more than anyone else in the place. And so I did talk to Lucy.. Lucy Wallis won her first gold medal at the 1990 BC Senior s Games. In her youth in Northern England she developed a dislike and disinterest in Darts. Her two older brothers played competitively and were alway practising their skills in the family home. There was only one place in their house that could accommodate a dart board, and that was the wall behind their dining room table. Because Lucy saw Darts as getting in the way of things, she found them extremely irritating and carried that irritation with her into adulthood. Not surprisingly Lucy s husband like many people in England, was also a Dart enthusiast. After the couple emigrated and moved to Campbell River, he volunteered to organize a lot of the tournaments.

I went along to the tournaments, but just sat there totally disinterested watching Darts - Bloody Darts, she lamented. It never entered my mind to play.

It turned out that she played well considering, and they won the tournament. After that win I went overboard, said Lucy. She set up a dart board in her glassed patio and began practising in a big way.

About the time Lucy committed to filling in for a doubles team at the 2016 55+ BC Coquitlam Games, she noticed that something was wrong with her vision.

They suspect Macro-degeneration she told me, but I want to wait until after the Games to get surgery.

2 I went along to the tournaments, but just sat there totally disinterested watching Darts - Bloody Darts, she lamented. It never entered my mind to play. One evening 3 of the younger fellows were short a person and asked Lucy to stand in as their fourth. Just aim at the board, they told her and let us do the rest. It turned out that she played well considering, and they won the tournament. After that win I went overboard, said Lucy. She set up a dart board in her glassed patio and began practising in a big way. returned again to playing Darts at the Senior Centre in Courtenay. About the time Lucy committed to filling in for a doubles team at the BC Coquitlam Games, she noticed that something was wrong with her vision. As the Newsletter person, I was in Coquitlam taking pictures of the Dart players and remember her telling me that the dart board kept moving when she went to throw. They suspect Macro-degeneration she told me, but I want to wait until after the Games to get surgery. Most people try for the triple 20 as it is 60 points, but because Lucy is very short (not 5 feet) she had trouble hitting the triple 20 high score at the top middle of the board. A little to the left and she sticks on triple 5. A little to the right and she sticks on triple one. I found that it was much easier to hit the bottom of the board and soon realized that hitting the triple 19 was for me almost a guarantee, and it lost me only 3 points. I decided to try for triple 19 s for a high score instead. Lucy went on to play and win many tournaments in and around the local area and in Vegas as well. After Lucy s husband became ill and could not play Darts anymore, Lucy also stopped playing for a few years. At the encouragement of her daughter after her husband died, she This knowledge has not stopped her however, and Lucy continues to play Darts with Fred and Ginny and other regulars she has met at the Senior Centre in Courtenay. Although they let Lucy know what numbers she has hit, Ginny and Fred acknowledge that she seems to have a feel for where the dart board is, and despite her diminished eyesight, is still a force to be reckoned with. What had started with resentment ended with commitment, and Lucy considers herself lucky. If it weren t for Darts she concluded, I would have been very lonely after my husband died. Fred and Ginny have enjoyed their time as sport co-ordinators and are very optimistic regarding the excellent junior Dart players that are coming up. They feel that these young players will be able to keep the sport going in the future. Lucy s gold medal for Darts from Comox Valley Games 1990 Despite problems with her eyes Lucy won a gold medal at the BC Games in Coquitlam in the Mixed Doubles. Unfortunately, her vision problem was not macro degeneration as they thought and discovered that nothing could be done about her eyesight. This is our 7th year as coordinators and our 10th year of competition, Ginny informed me. Being part of such a great group of Zone 2 members has been wonderful. We have such a feeling of pride when we wear our shirts and vests during the Opening Ceremonies of the Games, and as a couple, we have met new people from all over the province. We also feel a great sense of satisfaction in playing our best in all of our Dart competitions. Both Fred and Ginny look forward to another year of fun and participation at the 2018 /Cranbrook 55+ BC Games.

Residents from Campbell River, Parksville, and Nanoose GIVE IT A TRY Zone 2 was lucky enough to garner two grants from the BC Parks and

The areas chosen were Campbell River, at the Campbell River Community Centre along with the local Legion and the Bocce pitches at the

Oceanside decided to hold two events, one at the Oceanside Place Arena and one at Nanoose Place.

They were also to facilitate the gaining of a better partnership between the communities (through the Recreation Departments) and the BC

Some of the sports that were showcased were Pickleball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Ice Hockey, Floor Curling, Carpet Bowling, Bridge, Crib, and

Two of these events were held on a Saturday and were quiet successful, and one was held on a Monday and was not quite as well received.

3 Residents from Campbell River, Parksville, and Nanoose GIVE IT A TRY Zone 2 was lucky enough to garner two grants from the BC Parks and Recreation Department so that we could hold two (and in our case, three) Give it a Try Events. The areas chosen were Campbell River, at the Campbell River Community Centre along with the local Legion and the Bocce pitches at the Sportsplex, and Oceanside, Nanaimo Regional District #69 at Oceanside Place. Oceanside decided to hold two events, one at the Oceanside Place Arena and one at Nanoose Place. These Events were to showcase the facilities, and also some of the sports that the BC Seniors Games Society hold at their annual Games. They were also to facilitate the gaining of a better partnership between the communities (through the Recreation Departments) and the BC Seniors Games Society. Some of the sports that were showcased were Pickleball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Ice Hockey, Floor Curling, Carpet Bowling, Bridge, Crib, and Whist. There were a total of approximately 155 people that participated overall. Two of these events were held on a Saturday and were quiet successful, and one was held on a Monday and was not quite as well received. However, all in all it was a wonderful experience for those that not only participated but also for those that helped in any aspect of these Events. With some of the grant money that the Zone received we made up three gift baskets to be given to the winner of the draw held for those that completed the survey that the Government asked the participants to fill out. The winner of the draw in Campbell River was Ron J., the winner in Oceanside was Lori F.,and the winner in Nanoose was Lynda R. Kudos go to Linda Kubinec in Campbell River, Jenn Hopewell and Valerie McNutt at Oceanside Place, and Eve Flynn at Nanoose Place for jumping on this idea and doing a fantas+c job of organizing everything. Also kudos to Paul Kingan who spearheaded the idea from Zone 2 of the BC Seniors Games. (TRISH ANDERSON)

Being such a long distance away from home and with the costs associated in getting to /Cranbrook, it s understandable that Zone 2 s numbers are down from previous years.

However, I m super proud of our Zone and know our participants are going to give it their all to come home with medals.

4 Paul Kingan Director s Report As I write my article for the July Newsletter and at the same time look at the calendar, realization is that it s only 58 days to the start of this year s 55+ BC Games in /Cranbrook, now the excitement starts to build!!! Our Registration is pretty much wound up and this year, we ll be sending 246 Participants and 12 Supporters to the Games. Being such a long distance away from home and with the costs associated in getting to /Cranbrook, it s understandable that Zone 2 s numbers are down from previous years. Other Zones have also felt the distance and cost impacts and they too are down in attendance numbers. However, I m super proud of our Zone and know our participants are going to give it their all to come home with medals. We have lots of first time attendees for this year s Games so to those people, we thank them for joining our family and hope the Games experience meets all their expectations. /Cranbrook are nestled in the heart of the East Kootenays and are well known for being B.C. s Alpine community. For those attending the Games, hopefully you will be able to take the time to enjoy some spectacular scenery and hospitality. Get used to hearing the words Prost or Zum Wohl I m not going to tell you what they mean, you will most certainly find that out for yourself!!! The /Cranbrook folks have been working extremely hard in planning for this year s Games. The entertainment and social activities sound fantastic so do participate and enjoy. Compete to the best of your ability, but most of all have fun!! I look forward to seeing as many of our participants as possible. On another note, since the last Newsletter, we ran three very successful Give it a Try events. Held in Campbell River, Oceanside and Nanoose Bay. We had in total 155 people stop by and literally Give it a Try to the sporting events being showcased. Very favourable comments were received so the program was a definite Pacific Coastal Airlines is a Proud Partner to the BC 55+Games and has offered a 15% discount for all travel to/from Cranbrook for athletes, coaches, volunteers and family. Book today using promocode BCGames18 through pacificcoastal.com or by calling our call centre at or Promocode: BCGames18 15% discount on all Bravo and Classic fares to/from Cranbrook Booking period: now until Sept 9th, 2018 Travel Period: Between Sept 4th Sept 22, 2018 success. Special thanks to Trish Anderson, Elena Dimitroff, Franco Sartor and Paul Jennings for their help in supporting the program. There will be more news on this in the coming months, but wanted to alert you to the fact Zone 2 will be looking for a number of volunteers to fill key positions on our Board. Our current Board members have indicated that it is time for them to move on so they need to be replaced with new talent. If you have any background or interest in any of the following positions, please give thought to joining our Board, as we certainly can use the help. Myself, F r a n c o o r Tr i s h a r e available should you wish to discuss. The positions are: Uniform Chair Area 1 Representative (Nanaimo) Area 5 Representative (Campbell River) Area 6 Representative (Powell River) 2nd Vice Chair Public Relations Chair Aerie 3097 Campbell River Fraternal Order of Eagles. Medical Forms Supporters, Board Members, as well as Participants. Remember to bring your Care Card and to write down any medical issues you may have as well as any medications you may be taking on a piece of paper or a card. Make sure that this information easily accessible in case it is needed. (Cindy) Orientation Session Sunday July 29, 1-3 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre 747 Jones Street in Qualicum Beach. Shirts will be given out to new participants while coffee and Goodies will be served to everyone. Want to Know What s Going on in the Zones? On the Website, scroll over to About, drop down and Click on Upcoming Events. Scroll over to Zone of Choice, Click and Voila! (Paul) AGM Zone 2 Sunday October 21, 1-3 Qualicum Beach Civic Centre,747 Jones Street in Qualicum Beach. Paul Kingan, director of BCSGS and Trish Anderson receive a cheque from Hector Dubois and Franco Sartor of the Aerie 3097 Campbell River Fraternal Order of Eagles. Many thanks for your support and generosity. REMEMBER kimberley is on Mountain time - One hour ahead of us!!!

Hello from the chair of the Acting President. I am looking forward to seeing many of you in / Cranbrook.

Some of our larger teams will not be participating, and to those that are affected we hope that you know we will be off to Kelowna next year, and more sports will be included for everyone.

If you have some time, take advantage of the chairlift to the top of the mountain in, to enjoy a spectacular view of the area.

It is not an onerous task. We meet less than once a month, and we have some fun while we are meeting.

We have several vacancies, from the position of Chair, to several Area Reps, as well as Uniforms, Transportation, and PR.

5 Hello from the chair of the Acting President. I am looking forward to seeing many of you in / Cranbrook. While our numbers are down from the record attendance in Vernon, we have a healthy contingent heading to the south east corner of the Province, from our Zone. Some of our larger teams will not be participating, and to those that are affected we hope that you know we will be off to Kelowna next year, and more sports will be included for everyone. The trip to /Cranbrook is over ten hours of driving. I hope you have planned a few extra days to enjoy the ride. There will be lots of things to do at the Games. If you have some time, take advantage of the chairlift to the top of the mountain in, to enjoy a spectacular view of the area. I understand there are some breweries and great restaurants to check out, and don't forget to bring a few $$$ for the Casino. Our Zone, needs people to join our Board of Directors. It is not an onerous task. We meet less than once a month, and we have some fun while we are meeting. The Board of Directors gets a small mileage stipend to assist in travelling up and down the Island. We have several vacancies, from the position of Chair, to several Area Reps, as well as Uniforms, Transportation, and PR. If you could give some consideration to joining our team and allowing some of our ten year plus volunteers to take a well deserved break, we would appreciate your support. The AGM is only two months away, and we need some fresh faces as we prepare for next year's competitions in Kelowna. Thank you for supporting our 55+ Seniors Games. While you are at the Games please remember to thank the volunteers that are giving generously of their time, so that we can play, and enjoy what we love to do! Enjoy your summer and drive safely. Franco Sartor, Vice-President President s Report Franco Sartor is on Mountain time 1 hour ahead of us. Watch your time for Accreditation Tuesday & Wednesday. Zone 2 Reaching Out into the Community to Get the Word Out Joan & Shirley at Parksville Wellness Fair The Health and Wellness fair, the Comox Valley Farmers Market, the Active Aging Program and Give it a Try, are a few examples of community programs and events Zone 2 volunteers have attended this year to Let people know about the 55+ BC Games. Help Us Get the Word Out If you are aware of an event or program in your area where we could showcase the Games, please contact Franco, Trish, or any other member of our Board Follow the Zone 2 Facebook Page to keep up to date with the latest news from our Zone and the 55+ BC Games. Anyone can view this page. We also have a Facebook Group where members can contribute their own pictures, experiences and comment to the group. This is a private group where only members can view or contribute.

Our Volunteers bring their varied experience and resourcefulness to the 55+ BC Games.

We are looking for assistance in filling the following Board Positions: Second Vice Chairperson Responsibilities Carry out the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson and the 1 st

Ensure familiarity with the duties of the 1 st Vice Chairperson, with the Policies and Procedures of the Zone, and the Constitution, Bylaws and Policies and Procedures of the Society.

Assist in other activities of the Zone at his/her discretion Following the Zone 2 succession plan, the 2 nd Vice Chairperson may allow his/her name to stand for 1 st Vice Chairperson in any upcoming

6 Our Volunteers bring their varied experience and resourcefulness to the 55+ BC Games. The time has come for some of the long time members of our Zone 2 board to step down, and in doing so to pass the baton. Please think seriously about joining us. We are looking for assistance in filling the following Board Positions: Second Vice Chairperson Responsibilities Carry out the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson and the 1 st Vice Chairperson. Ensure familiarity with the duties of the 1 st Vice Chairperson, with the Policies and Procedures of the Zone, and the Constitution, Bylaws and Policies and Procedures of the Society. Assist in organizing the Annual Participant Orientation Session as his/her discretion. Assist in other activities of the Zone at his/her discretion Following the Zone 2 succession plan, the 2 nd Vice Chairperson may allow his/her name to stand for 1 st Vice Chairperson in any upcoming elections. Public Relations Chair Responsibilities Produce Zone 2 Newsletter Produce Rack Cards for Area Representatives who will distribute them to local service clubs, Seniors Associations, Community bulletin Boards Manage banners, flags, pennants, DVD s etc. so members may borrow the materials Help Area Representatives with public awareness of the Games, Provide a report at AGM Uniform Chair Prepare uniform order forms annually Distribute forms to Sport Coordinators Order and collect uniforms and patches Issue uniforms and games patches at the Orientation Session Keep records for uniforms issued and find storage for those remaining Fundraising Chair Responsibilities Solicit sponsorship to help defer anticipated costs. Present strategies to Zone 2 Board for discussion and approval. Liaise with BCSGS Operations Manager in accordance with BCSGS Policies. Area Representatives Area 1- Nanaimo Area 5- Campbell River Area 6- Powell River Assist with distributing written materials Promote the Games in their area in cooperation with Publicity Chair Assist Sport Coordinators with location sites for play downs Collect Games results data, and write appropriate news articles for publication in local newspapers YOU ARE OUR GREATEST STRENGTH If you are interested in any of these positions please contact: Franco Sartor.fsartor@shaw.ca Paul Kingan.kingan@shaw.ca Trish Anderson.panda5son@hotmail.com

At the Games! Old Advice, is Still Good Advice Have your ID, Medical card and information with you and your Zone membership card too - just in case. Accreditation is at the Conference Centre.

Then find your sport - line up, complete the process, and receive your package. Locate your event/sport Venue, and do a practice run from your hotel.

Then check to make sure your name or team is in the event and make note of your first game, match, etc. Checking your sport schedule with posted ones at the event should cover any overnight changes.

Tuesday Sept 11 Wednesday Sept 12 Thursday Sept 13 Friday Sept 14 Saturday Sept 15 2018 Cranbrook 55+ BC Games Games Village 2PM-8PM Conference Centre Plaza Participant Accreditation 4PM-8PM

(Marysville) Tennis (Kim & Cran) Track & Field (Cran) Games Village 9am - 6pm Conf.

7 At the Games! Old Advice, is Still Good Advice Have your ID, Medical card and information with you and your Zone membership card too - just in case. Accreditation is at the Conference Centre. Address: 301 N Star Blvd,, BC V1A 3E9 Google directions before travelling. Check in and register at the Zone 2 table first! Then find your sport - line up, complete the process, and receive your package. Locate your event/sport Venue, and do a practice run from your hotel. This way you will know how far it is so that you can get to your event/sport on time. First day of competition, be early to your event and check in! Then check to make sure your name or team is in the event and make note of your first game, match, etc. Checking your sport schedule with posted ones at the event should cover any overnight changes. If you are new to the Games, and need help, ASK!! At each venue during the events, there will be officials, sport chairs, and people in the know! Just find them and all will work out. Tuesday Sept 11 Wednesday Sept 12 Thursday Sept 13 Friday Sept 14 Saturday Sept Cranbrook 55+ BC Games Games Village 2PM-8PM Conference Centre Plaza Participant Accreditation 4PM-8PM Conference Centre- Badminton (Cran) Darts (Kim) Equestrian -Wycliffe exhibition grounds 5 Pin Bowling Cran Ice Curling (Cran) Ice Hockey (Kim&Cran) Pickleball (Cran) So-Pitch (Cran) Soccer (Marysville) Tennis (Kim & Cran) Track & Field (Cran) Games Village 9am - 6pm Conf. Centre Plaza Alpine Participant Accreditation 10am - 5pm Conference Centre Opening Ceremony 7PM - 8:30PM Western Financial Place Cranbrook Archery RDEK (Regional district) Badminton (Cran) Bocce (Kim) Bridge (Cran) Cribbage (Kim) Cycling (TT) (Kim) Darts (Kim) Dragon Boat Wasa L Equestrian- Wycliffe exhibition grounds 5 Pin Bowl (Cran) Floor Curling (Kim) Golf (Kim&Cran) Ice Curling (Cran) Ice Hockey K&Cran Lawn Bowling (Kim) Mountain Bike (Marysville) Pickleball (Cran) Slo-Pitch (Cran) Soccer (Marysville) Swimming (Cran) Tennis(Kim&Cran) Track&Field(Cran) Whist (Kim) Special Events 3PM - 7PM 1) Cranbrook Rotary Party 2) Party in the Platzl Archery (RDEK) (Regional district) Badminton (Cran) Bocce (KIm) Bridge (Cran) Cribbage (Kim) Cycling (RR) (RDEK) Darts (Kim) Dragon Boat Wasa L 5 Pin Bowling (Cran) Floor Curling (Kim) Golf (Kim & (Cran) Ice Curling (Cran) Ice Hockey (Kim&Cran) Lawn Bowling (Kim) Mountain Bike (Marysville) Pickleball (Cran) Slo-Pitch (Cran) Soccer (Marysville) Swimming (Cran) Tennis (Kim & Cran) Track & Field (Cran) Whist (Kim) Special Events 7PM - 11PM 1) Casino Night & Dance Conference Centre 2) Cocktail Reception Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort Cranbrook Archery (RDEK) (Regional District) Badminton (Cran) Bocce (Kim) Bridge (Cran) Cycling (HC) (RDEK) Regional District Darts (Kim) 5 Pin Bowling (Cran) Ice curling (Cran) Ice Hockey Kim &Cran) Pickleball (Cran) Slo-Pitch (Cran) Soccer (Marysville) Swimming (Cran) Tennis (Kim & Cran) Track & Field (Cran) T&F Road Race (Cran) Closing Ceremony 1:30PM - 2:30PM Conference Centre Volunteer Appreciation Event 2:30PM - 7PM Conference Centre Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

History of Darts Much is rumoured about the history of darts, but if rumour holds true it is believed that King Henry the VIII of England set up mandatory

It is believed that some archers, began throwing their arrows at an overturned wine, ale or beer barrel.

With these barrels in short supply, some innovative archer cut a slice out of a tree, using the tree s natural growth rings as a means of determining who was

The game moved indoors because of the weather and arrows were shortened.

(Darts Info World) Interesting Fact Did you know that darts was standard issue of the British Armed Forces during WW2?

8 History of Darts Much is rumoured about the history of darts, but if rumour holds true it is believed that King Henry the VIII of England set up mandatory archery practice for his archers so that they would be ready for battle at all times. It is believed that some archers, began throwing their arrows at an overturned wine, ale or beer barrel. This was called the target because the bottom of the barrel was originally called a butt, stemming from the word butte in French which means target. With these barrels in short supply, some innovative archer cut a slice out of a tree, using the tree s natural growth rings as a means of determining who was closest to the centre. As the tree dried the rings cracked, providing even more distinct markers until the dart board evolved into what it is today. The game moved indoors because of the weather and arrows were shortened. Because of their increased speed brought about by the ever- changing shapes, the game of arrows soon became the game of darts. (Darts Info World) Interesting Fact Did you know that darts was standard issue of the British Armed Forces during WW2? Each received a set of darts as standard issue in their NAAFI (Navy, Army, & Air Force Institutes) sports pack. It was said that playing darts helped the soldiers relax, boosted their morale, and took their minds off home. Aerie 3097 Campbell River Eagles Campbell River Courtenay Courtenay Zone 2 Gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Gaming Commission of the Provincial Government. For the generous sponsorship and continued support of our Zone 2 Sponsors

BC Seniors Games Society Zone 2 Board Meeting February 21 st, 2018 Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, Qualicum Beach, BC MINUTES

BC Seniors Games Society Zone 2 Board Meeting February 21 st, 2018 Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, Qualicum Beach, BC MINUTES Present: Trish Anderson, Cheryle Sosnowski, Franco Sartor, Paul Kingan, Barry