Sean Glanville
The Zone 10 B.C. Senior’s Games delegation held their fund-raising draw in Prince Rupert last Saturday.
The first prize of $1500 was won by Prince Rupert resident Jacqueline Taylor. The second prize of $1000 went to Gary Rybiski of Terrace and the third prize drawn of $500 was awarded to Debbie Oviatt of Kitimat. Prince Rupert Councillor Nelson Kinney was the local dignitary on hand to make the draws.
“It was great that we were able to have a winner from each of our three main communities involved,” said Zone 10 Director Bill Whitty. “It was a great fundraiser as there were over 3,000 draw entries.”
The majority of tickets were sold setting up tables at a number of major grocery stores throughout their communities.
This year’s seniors games take place in Burnaby August 21-25. Among Zone 10’s 182 members, 94 will be travelling to compete in the games.
Most of the zone delegation have chose to drive down to the Lower Mainland while others have elected to fly Hawkair.
“We used to all bus to the games but now most people want to do their own thing,” said Whitty. “Some people take their RV and do an extended vacation and visit family and that sort of thing.”
Anyone 55 or over qualifies for the seniors games, however, Whitty says there are often members competing right into their nineties.
“It amazes me the camaraderie between all the athletes regardless of the sport they are competing in or their age difference,” says Whitty.
He also was full of praise for the seniors games, describing it as the greatest alternative form of health care out their for seniors.
“If not for the seniors games a lot of these people would be sitting in doctors waiting rooms,” says Whitty. “This gives them a purpose and keeps them actively involved and I think it’s the best alternative health care the province could offer.”
Look for complete results from our Zone 10 athletes at the seniors games in your local newspaper at the end of August.
