South Okanagan senior athletes ready for 55+ Games

PENTICTON – Sixty-three seniors from the South Okanagan and Similkameen are taking heed of advice to stay active as they get older.

A group of Zone Five participants in the upcoming 55+ Games, formerly known as the B.C. Senior's Games, took part in a photo opportunity this morning, August 10, at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

“I thought it was important to recognize these people for their effort in going to the games, and participating,” Tourism Penticton’s Lisa Navin says. “All these participants are over 55 and still competitive."

She says the group represents the South Okanagan from Summerland to Osoyoos and west to Keremeos.

The oldest in the group gathered in front of the events centre is Summerland’s Rob King, who will turn 91 just before the start of the games, which run from August 25-29 in North Vancouver. He’ll be participating in several swimming events, including the 100 and 50 metre freestyle, the breaststroke, backstroke and relay.

“I’ve been swimming for 27 years after being talked into it in Summerland,” says King, who chuckles when discussing his age group at the games. “I guess I’m in a class all my own."

Ernie Shatz, 83, of Osoyoos Ernie Shatz will be participating in five pin bowling, as will Gladys Baryla, who is also an Osoyoos resident. Shatz began bowling six year ago, while Bayla has been at it since 1980.

Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton are vying for future senior’s games. Vernon is hoping for the 2017 games, while Penticton has a bid in for the 2018 or 2019 games. Kelowna is hoping for the 2019 games, but are also open to 2018 or 2017.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.