You Are Never Too Old To Go For The Gold!

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Eleanor Singleton
6 years ago
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level competition, Maggi Slassor knows that Gold Medals don t come easily. It can sometimes be a difficult journey.

She was a very busy and physically active person - an avid hiker and climber who loved canoeing and sailing. What a surprise it was, when in 1990 her life had to be put on hold.

1 You Are Never Too Old To Go For The Gold! 2016 Coquitlam Newsletter Zone 2 Zone 2 Board Member wins Gold Medal at World Dragon Boat Competition July, 2016 By Maggi Slassor & Editor Whether you are competing at the 55+ BC Games or at a world level competition, Maggi Slassor knows that Gold Medals don t come easily. It can sometimes be a difficult journey. As an enthusiastic kayaker, Maggi ran an Outdoor Store called Alpha Wave Adventures in Port Alberni, offering kayaking tours, rentals and lessons. She was a very busy and physically active person - an avid hiker and climber who loved canoeing and sailing. What a surprise it was, when in 1990 her life had to be put on hold. Like mist creeps over the moor and then suddenly engulfs it, a mysterious virus plagued Maggi with health problems for what seemed like an eternity before rendering her mostly immobile. The virus made it necessary for her to have both of her hips replaced - one hip replacement in 2003 and another in Maggi could no longer hike, climb, or for that matter play any sport that would adversely affect her hips. Still, she wanted and needed to stay physically active. After recovering from her surgeries, she looked to watersports for her new pursuit as these kind of sports more often rely upon core, and upper body strength. At least this gave her somewhere to start. It wasn t long before she found a recreational Dragon Boat team in Port Alberni that was looking for new members. As she had sailed, canoed and kayaked, this seemed a very good sport for her to try. After my first race with the Sunshine Dragons, Maggi exclaims, That was it! I was hooked, and was thrilled to have found a sport in which I could really participate. In Nanaimo 2007, (at the same time as the BC Senior Games was introducing Dragon Boating as a demonstration sport) the team was looking for more opportunities to race. They decided try the Games. Much to their joy and excitement, the Sunshine Dragons won a silver medal in Nanaimo that year - their first experience in the BC Seniors Games. Because Dragon Boating was a fair distance away from all of the action, the team went, raced, and returned home all on the same day. It wasn t until the following year that they learned what they were missing and what the BC Seniors Games was all about. Iwas inspired by people 20 years older than myself who were still competing in their 70 s and 80 s, said Maggi, and felt encourged that there would be a place for me to remain active and healthy when I reached that age. When she was invited onto the BC Seniors Games Zone 2 Executive as their area 3 representative, Maggi was happy to say yes. It is now 9 years later and she is still a valued member of the board. Since 2007 Maggi has sometimes competed in the Games with a zone 2 team comprising paddlers from Port Alberni, Courtenay and Campbell River. Other times she has competed with Mid Island Masters from Nanaimo. It is not unusual for athletes who are members of the 55+ BC Games to aspire to compete i n t h e C a n a d i a n o r Wo r l d Championships in their sport. Maggi s desire to train and compete at a different level lead her to seek out the Gorging Dragons, which was the first Dragon Boat team to be formed on Vancouver Island back in By 2008 they represented Canada at the fourth ever Club Crew World Championships in South Africa where they won 2 Bronze medals. It was March 2015 when Maggi made up her mind to try out with the Gorging Dragons in Victoria. She knew they had great teams and some of the best coaches in Canada. Coquitlam BC Games September 20-24

I felt that after the first practice I would know if I had the potential to fit in and the commitment to train hard with the team.

We are having time trials on the Ergs, it said. You will all be tested in the 200m, 500m and 1000m.

She knew that an Erg was a type of rowing machine with a paddle, but she had never paddled 1000m period - even with her team members never mind paddling 1000 meters alone in an Erg.

2 I felt that after the first practice I would know if I had the potential to fit in and the commitment to train hard with the team. The team members were so encouraging and supportive at the first practice that I just had to go back. Halfway through the second week an arrived. Bring your gym gear to the next practice. We are having time trials on the Ergs, it said. You will all be tested in the 200m, 500m and 1000m. At the gym Maggi was met with masses of sweating and breathless athletes, comparing times and techniques. She knew that an Erg was a type of rowing machine with a paddle, but she had never paddled 1000m period - even with her team members never mind paddling 1000 meters alone in an Erg. Somehow I lived to tell the tale! she declared. Super Charged with determination and the reassurances of her 19 teammates Maggi made the trials and became part of what she considered an awesome group of athletes. Next thing she knew they were off to the Canadian Nationals. After hours of gym work with a personal trainer, outrigger canoe training, mind training sessions and countless hours driving back and forth from Port Alberni to the gorge in Victoria, Maggi and team were ready to compete in the April 2016 World Championships in Australia. Dan Gable, a retired Olympic wrestler said, Gold medals aren t really made of gold. T h e y r e m a d e o f s w e a t, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts. Maggi s team, the Senior Women s C team 59+ Gorging Dragons won a Gold in the 2000m and a Bronze in the 500m. Altogether the 4 Gorging Dragon Teams, which included other Zone 1&2 athletes came back with 3 Gold Medals, 4 Silver and one Bronze. Congratulations to Maggi and the 4 Gorging Dragon Teams for their tremendous success. These competitors, as well as all other senior athletes both outside, and in the 55+ BC Games, continue to stretch the limits of aging through their hard work and determination to continue in their sport. Well Done Everyone!!

Much work has gone into geing the venues and volunteers ready for these Games, so please make an effort to akend the Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Coquitlam this year.

3 President s Report Summer has finally arrived and we are almost finished our Registra9ons for the 2016 Coquitlam Games. One last push to get all your Registra9ons into the data base, and we should be almost ready. Much work has gone into geing the venues and volunteers ready for these Games, so please make an effort to akend the Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Coquitlam this year. Everybody likes to be acknowledged, so please also say Thank you to those who have helped to get you, the par9cipant, there and ready to meet old friends, have fun, and compete. we are developing a sponsorship program to help get some travel assistance for our par9cipants. Any dona9ons and sponsorships are welcome. I will be speaking more on this at the Orienta9on Session in August. So, for now, I wish to thank Advanced Property Management, Hi- Tech Brazen Sportswear, and The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Campbell River) for their much appreciated dona9ons. As always it takes volunteers to run an organiza9on, so please think seriously about contribu9ng some 9me to help con9nue our legacy at the Games. Zone 2 has always been touted as a well run Zone. We would like to see this con9nue. Some of us on the Board have been here for many years and would really like to take some 9me to pursue other endeavours, so if any of you have organiza9onal skills that we can use, please let us know. One last thing. BC Seniors Games - Zone 2 Chair, Trish Anderson, receives a dona9on from FOE directors, Franco Sartor and Hector Dubois. The funds provided by the Eagles organiza9on were raised by hos9ng Friday evening dinners at the Eagles in Campbell River. The Eagles MoKo is People helping People The monies, will be used to help 55+ Par9cipants defer costs of travelling to the mainland for the 55+ BC Games in Coquitlam September Snippets Venues are all in place and accreditation will be held at Poirier forum. "There are no restrictions as to the number of 'march in' participants a Zone can have at the Opening Ceremonies" Even if you don t march in, come and see the spectacle. Some travel assistance is available from Via Sport. Although it's for ferry passengers only, it may be worthwhile to check it out. AGM on Monday Sept. 19, 2016 RV accommodation is limited, but available. Hotel accommodations tight so book soon Orientation meeting on August 3 rd. At Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Zone 2 Volunteers Needed 1 st Vice Chairperson 1 st vice Chair shall carry out duties of the chair person or president in the event of his/her absence as well as carrying out other duties that may be assigned by the Chair. Transportation & Accommodations Chair Accommodations chair is responsible for looking into availability of transportation and good accommodations at the Games, along with some reasonable rates. Area 4 representative (Courtenay, Comox, Fanny Bay, Hornby & Denman Islands, Black Creek) Acts as liaison between board and community, actively promoting the games in their area. Assists with distribution of posters and brochures. If interested Please Trish Anderson <panda5son@hotmail.com>

The Board of the British Columbia Seniors Games Society (BCSGS) announced that effective October 1 st, 2017 they will be restructuring and managing all aspects of the 55+ BC Games, including event

4 The Board of the British Columbia Seniors Games Society (BCSGS) announced that effective October 1 st, 2017 they will be restructuring and managing all aspects of the 55+ BC Games, including event management. These organizational changes are collaborative and with mutual agreement between the BCSGS and the BC Games Society. The BC Games Society has historically worked with the the BCSGS to provide event management for the 55+ BC Games, but this agreement will come to an end at the conclusion of the Vernon & Area BC Games next year. To help effect a smooth restructuring, the BCSGS has a well-thought-out transitional plan in the works. A BCSGS team is presently in place and prepared to shadow and work with the existing BC Games Society event management staff as they complete the Coquitlam BC Games, and work with the Host Society through to the Vernon & Area BC Games. BCSGS President Wayne Naka explains, We are in a process of determining what event management looks like as our 55+ BC Games move forward and our Society takes over management and coordination of all aspects of the 55+ BC Games. We have every confidence that this is a progressive move for our Society and will allow us to have more focused attention to all aspects of the 55+ BC Games. We thank the BC Society for their immense contribution over the years in facilitating the event management, and appreciate that the entire BC Games Society staff will be assisting us in the transition phase over the next year and a half as we plan and deliver the 55+ BC Games in Coquitlam (2016) and Vernon (2017). The Kimberley/Cranbrook BC Games will be the first Games where our Society will be in charge of all management. There is a feeling of anticipation and excitement within our BCSGS Board as we launch this change to our Society. Contact: Brooke Campbell brooke-zone6@shaw.ca Communications chair British Columbia Senior Games Society

RV Parking in Coquitlam The City of Coquitlam has agreed to make a limited number of RV parking spots available in Mundy Park, near Spani Pool and the venues for Slo-Pitch and Cycling.

The rate for RVs up to 20 feet long is $210 for the duration of the Coquitlam 2016 55+ Games (arriving Monday, September 19 th and departing, Sunday, September 25 th ) and $240 for longer RVs up to

** To make a reservation, please send an email to accommodation2016@55plusgames.ca stating your name, a contact phone number, the size and type of RV.

The confirmation of reservations will be conditional upon RV users agreeing to safety regulations that will be provided prior to payment being accepted.

5 RV Parking in Coquitlam The City of Coquitlam has agreed to make a limited number of RV parking spots available in Mundy Park, near Spani Pool and the venues for Slo-Pitch and Cycling. The lots are not serviced, but shuttles will be available to the other sport venues. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. The rate for RVs up to 20 feet long is $210 for the duration of the Coquitlam Games (arriving Monday, September 19 th and departing, Sunday, September 25 th ) and $240 for longer RVs up to 32 feet. Payment will be accepted by etransfer or cheque received no later than 10 days after the reservation is made. No cancellations after August 1, 2016.** To make a reservation, please send an to accommodation2016@55plusgames.ca stating your name, a contact phone number, the size and type of RV. We will be in touch to confirm and arrange payment. The confirmation of reservations will be conditional upon RV users agreeing to safety regulations that will be provided prior to payment being accepted. **Coquitlam Games reserves the right to offer RV parking spots for shorter timeframes after July 1 st if the RV spots available are not fully reserved by that time. Branch Rickey once said of me that I was a man with an infinite capacity for immediately making a bad thing worse. Leo Durocher The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course. - Billy Graham Editor s Comments From the various feature articles in the newsletter, we can see how different and how interesting our Zone 2 Athletes are. As I do not participate in the Games, I cannot write from the perspective of an athlete, therefore, I ask participants to send in any funny story, a piece on your perspective of the Games, why you joined, or why you stay. Send in anything you think may be of interest to our readers. What we need is short articles on your experiences, humour is always good, or maybe some helpful hints in sport. The write-up can be your perspective on how the Games have changed, what you have overcome, or what the Games have done for you. Just send me an if you have an idea that you think might be interesting to our readers. If writing is the problem, I would be happy to assist you in any way. We have a wonderful organization filled with wonderful people, with experiences that I am sure readers would like to hear more about. Thank you in advance The Event Editor - Corinne Berkin

Sept. 20 Tuesday Sept. 21 Wednesday Sept. 22 Thursday Sept. 23 Friday Sept. 42 Saturday Coquitlam 2016 55+ BC Games September 20-24 Games village 3:00-8:00 pm Dogwood 640 Poirier St.

Archery Badminton Bridge - Duplicate Bridge - Social Carpet Bowling Cribbage Cycling (TT) Darts Dragon Boat Five Pin Bowling Floor Curling Golf Ice Curling Ice Hockey Lawn Bowling Pickleball Slo

6 Sept. 20 Tuesday Sept. 21 Wednesday Sept. 22 Thursday Sept. 23 Friday Sept. 42 Saturday Coquitlam BC Games September Games village 3:00-8:00 pm Dogwood 640 Poirier St. Badminton Darts Five Pin Bowling Ice Curling Ice Hockey Pickleball Slo-Pitch Soccer Table Tennis Tennis Track & field Games village 10:00am - 5:00 pm Dogwood 640 Poirier St. Archery Badminton Bridge - Duplicate Bridge - Social Carpet Bowling Cribbage Cycling (TT) Darts Dragon Boat Five Pin Bowling Floor Curling Golf Ice Curling Ice Hockey Lawn Bowling Pickleball Slo Pitch Soccer Archery Badminton Bridge - Duplicate Bridge - Social Carpet Bowling Cribbage Cycling (RR) Darts Dragon Boat Five Pin Bowling Floor Curling Golf Ice Curling Ice Hockey Lawn Bowling Pickleball Slo Pitch Soccer Archery Badminton Bridge - Duplicate Cycling (HC) Darts Five Pin Bowling Ice Curling Ice Hockey Pickleball Slo Pitch Soccer Swimming Table Tennis Tennis Track & Field Swimming Swimming Accreditation 4:00-8:00 pm Poirier Forum 618 Poirier St. Accreditation 10:00am - 5:00 pm Poirier Forum 618 Poirier St. Table Tennis Tennis Track& Field Whist Table Tennis Tennis Track& Field Whist Closing Ceremony 1:30 pm Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex 633 Poirier St. Coquitlam, BC Coquitlam, BC Opening Ceremony 7 pm Poirier Sports and Leisure complex 633 Poirier St. Special Event for Participants Hard Rock Casino 4:00-10:00 pm 2080 United Blvd, Coquitlam BC. Banquet & Dance 4:00-7:00 pm Dinner 7:30-10pm Dance Poirier Sports & Leisure Complex 633 Poirier St. Volunteer Appreciation Event 2:30 pm Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex 633 Poirier St.

Orientation Session August 3, 1-3 pm at the Qualicum Civic Centre 747 Jones St.

This will be announced at the orientation meeting. All participants will receive a Zone 2 vest. First timers will also receive a free golf shirt.

Participants will receive a lot of important information about the games at the orientation session so you don t want to miss it. See you There!

I have met so many very interesting people and learned quite a bit about various sports outside of swimming, which up till now is all I saw of competition at the games.

7 Orientation Session August 3, 1-3 pm at the Qualicum Civic Centre 747 Jones St. Qualicum Beach For those who cannot attend the meeting there will be a weekend set up in the Qualicum beach area for the remaining vest/shirts to be distributed when they arrive. This will be announced at the orientation meeting. All participants will receive a Zone 2 vest. First timers will also receive a free golf shirt. Please do your best to be there in August as a good portion of the vests will be available At the meeting. Participants will receive a lot of important information about the games at the orientation session so you don t want to miss it. See you There! Registration Report What an incredible experience it has been to handle the BCSG Zone 2 registrations this year. I have met so many very interesting people and learned quite a bit about various sports outside of swimming, which up till now is all I saw of competition at the games. After free loading for 10 years (only missed 2 games in that time) I made up my mind that it was my turn to volunteer for this great organization. And I am so glad I did. I can only recommend it to everyone....do your bit and enjoy the rewards! I want to thank the sport coordinators for their hard work at getting all the paperwork in to me well organized and on time. Your diligence was much appreciated. A special vote of thanks to Gordon Johnston, Floor Curling Coordinator, who chased down 11 Waiver forms from floor curlers and made a special trip to deliver them to me out here in the boonies! A word to the wise. Don t forget to fill out your Medical forms. A Parliament of owls Registration is down this year so why not start now drumming up that interest amongst your own group for making 2017 a banner year for Zone 2 in Vernon. Mary Sluyter...Zone 2 Registrar As I write this ar,cle, realize it's only 86 days ( and coun,ng) to the start of the Coquitlam BC Games!! From all that I've heard and seen, Coquitlam is shaping up to be the best Games ever. They have great venues for the Games, an incredible group of very dedicated volunteers and a 5 day event that is going to be full of friendly compe,,on, camaraderie, good,mes and lots of fun. This year, our overall par,cipa,on numbers are looking as though they'll be slightly down from the past couple of years, but regardless, we'll be represented in all but two of the 22 sports. On behalf of Zone 2 and the BC Seniors Games Society, thank you for your support and par,cipa,on in the Coquitlam Games. We've said it before and you'll hear it again and again, the Host Community puts in a lot of,me, effort and money to put on the Games. We need to make sure we take the,me to say thank you for all their efforts. Several opportuni,es present themselves where we can do this. At Accredita,on, take the,me to visit the Games Village and talk to the vendors; plan to ayend the Opening (and Closing if you are s,ll in town) Ceremonies, wear your Zone 2 Shirt and Vest proudly. Say thank you to the volunteers whenever you can. Good Luck! And See you there. Paul Kingan. Directors Report Don t be Left High and Dry Bring Your Water Bottle

8 Thank You to our Zone 2 Sponsors Remember When?? Name the Host cities of the BC Seniors Games starting in Write your answers in the space provided for each year Coquitlam

BC Senior Games Society Zone 2 Board Meeting May 18 th, 2016 Campbell River Community Centre, Campbell River, BC MINUTES

BC Senior Games Society Zone 2 Board Meeting May 18 th, 2016 Campbell River Community Centre, Campbell River, BC MINUTES Present: Trish Anderson, Cath Wiseman, Paul Kingan, Cheryle Sosnowski, Paul Jennings,