A Look Back at the 2009 BC Seniors' Games

The BC Senior games took place in September, with over 4,000 participants in over 29 sports, including softball, soccer, cycling, men's ice hockey, track and field, curling, golf, table tennis, badminton, horseshoes, square dancing and dragon boat racing. "Softer sports" included cribbage, bowling events and bridge.

The event was held in Richmond, BC, this year, as Richmond exemplifies the ideals of healthy aging. Richmond is considered "Canada's healthiest city" with an average lifespan of 83 years. All participants in the games were 55 years or older, representing 13 different regions of British Columbia.

Courtesy: http://bcseniorsgames2009.ca

As might have been expected, the Lower Mainland region - including the city of Vancouver - came out on top with 424 total medals.

Participants were far older than 55, in fact. One of the oldest participants in the games was 89 year old Len Coverdale, who won a gold medal in a swimming relay. Len added, "I was an avid swimmer as a boy but I gave it up while raising a family and working, only taking the sport up again in 2000 at the age of 80." Len has also had both knees replaced. Hildegard Buschhaus, 81, was competing in her 14th Senior's Games.

Many of the Games' participants were cheered on by family and friends. One teenaged granddaughter of one of the Games' participants admitted, "I'm not sure I could keep up with [her]."

According to the BCSLA, "Each day offered inspiring examples of 'The Power of Age.'" A 92 year old woman set two new world records during the games for the 90 plus age group. A 94 year old ran the 1500 metre run. The torch was ignited by the Games' oldest competitor, who was 95 years old.

At the end of it all, Richmond area MLA summed up the spirit of the Games, saying "it's not about being on the podium, it's about participating." President of the Games, Jim Lamond said, "These were great games."

The BC Senior Games for 2010 are slated for Courtenay/Campbell River, “We are looking for volunteers,” said one of the Zone 2 Directors, Carol Nicol Dowe, 65. “We have positions open for vice-president, treasurer and fundraiser and encourage people to get involved.”

Final medal standings were as follows.

Sources:
http://impowerage.com/2009/09/60-muscle-power-proves-mighty/
http://bcseniorsgames2009.ca
http://www.bclocalnews.com/sports/64016192.html