BC Seniors Games all fired up
By Kyra Hoggan
The countdown to the BC Seniors Games has officially begun after a torchlighting ceremony in Castlegar last night.
More than 100 people turned out to watch the torch being lit at 8 p.m. at the Castlegar Complex, after words from games organizers, Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff, Nelson city councillor Deb Kozak, Trail mayor Dieter Bogs, and Kelly Mann (who offered comments on behalf of Ida Chong, Minister of Sport, Community and Cultural Development.). Mountain FM’s Glen Hicks served as emcee. Lighting the torch was Castlegar’s Jock Yolland, a 91-year-old athlete who will be playing tennis in the 2011 Games, being held August 16 to 20. “This is a huge credit to the community and …really a chance to showcase the spirit of the Kootenays,” said Chernoff. Kozak echoed that sentiment, adding she’s looking forward to many elements of the coming games. “Most of all, I’m looking forward to our three communities working together to pull this off,” she concluded. Bogs pointed out that this is the first time all three cities have joined forces to host an event of this scope, “and I think that’s a sign of the future,” he said. Mann also lauded the cooperative effort, pointing to the 2011 slogan, which is, Three Communities – One Goal. “The motto really says it all,” Mann said. The games are expected to bring 3,000 competitors to the region and generate as much as $2 million in economic activity. Organizers say they’re going to need as many as 1,500 volunteers to make the games a success. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.bcseniorsgames.org
