From September 9 to 13, close to 4,000 athletes aged 55 and over will gather in Langley to test their abilities, strive for their goals, and compete to be the best in British Columbia.
And when the 2014 BC Seniors Games are over, a legacy will remain, reminding the community that age is just a number and healthy, active lifestyles are achievable by everyone.
A free, Active Legacy Pass has been created to give Langley residents aged 50-plus access to a variety of activities and encourage them to experience their inner athlete. The passes will allow seniors to drop in and try selected programs ranging from fitness and dance classes to pool programs, cards, and lawn bowling at participating facilities from September 15 to 30.
Passes can be picked up starting September 8 at any Township of Langley Community Centre, the Timms Community Centre in Langley City, or the Langley Seniors Resource Centre. Those with passes can also attend a fall prevention workshop from Fraser Health, a PacificSport session on the importance of physical activity for seniors, and a Seniors in Action Kickoff featuring a special presentation by Paws 2 Dance, a canine musical dance group.
One of the featured Active Legacy Pass activities is a Walk with the Township Mayor, which will give older members of the community a chance to stroll and share their thoughts with Mayor Jack Froese. The event takes place Monday, September 15 at 10am, starting at the lelәm’ Arts and Cultural Café in Fort Langley. After enjoying a two-mile walk along the Fort-to-Fort Trail, participants can return to lelәm’ and have a chat with Froese and other members of Township Council.
Froese, who turned 60 this year, often runs the Fort-to-Fort Trail and is pleased that the Legacy Pass will encourage seniors to keep active and healthy – and maybe try something new.
“I am really looking forward to getting some exercise and fresh air and enjoying this beautiful area of our community with some of our seniors,” he said. “Not only is it a chance to get moving, it is an opportunity to share ideas and hear from those aged 50-plus in our community.”
“Keeping healthy and active both physically and mentally is so important, and this is an excellent way to celebrate the Seniors Games and the legacy it will leave in Langley,” Froese said.
Acting City of Langley Mayor Ted Schaffer and his wife, Jean, will get in on the Active Legacy Pass action by taking to the dance floor. The Schaffers will join participants for an Adapted Zumba class on Wednesday, September 17, from 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. at the Timms Community Centre. The low impact dance-fitness class has been designed for beginners and older adults interested in trying the fun fitness benefits of Zumba.
The City of Langley’s Recreation, Culture & Community Services Department was pleased to take part in the program and give older adults an opportunity to explore different ways of enjoying themselves while keeping fit – for free.
“The Active Legacy Pass is an enormous step in our efforts to encourage daily physical activity and provide healthy lifestyle choices for all age groups,” said Schaffer. “We support active aging initiatives in our community, and believe people should be able to participate no matter what their age, abilities, or interests.”
The Active Legacy Pass was created through a partnership between the Township of Langley, the City of Langley, Langley Seniors Resource Centre, Brookswood Senior Centre, Langley Seniors Community Action Table, PacificSport Fraser Valley, and Fraser Health.
“This is a wonderful collaboration that will truly benefit seniors in Langley,” said Alicia Stark, Township of Langley Community Recreation Programmer. “We hope that the success of this Legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.”
Aldergrove Soccer Club’s 60-plus team, all aged 65 to 80, are preparing for the BC Seniors Games coming up in Langley next week.
