Several local athletes are currently in Vernon for the 55+ B.C. Games.
Chemainus participants include: Geri Elchuk, Susan Harrison, Morris Jenson and Chuck Keehn in golf; Randy McLeod in ice curling; Arlene Thorne in pickleball mixed and women’s doubles; and Tim Hendrie, Nola Hendrie, Vernon Shook and Karen Shook in a variety of track and field events.
The husband and wife Hendrie and Shook teams have both been to the Games numerous times before. Tim Hendrie is in the 65-69-year-old men’s events, Nola Hendrie in 60-64 women’s; Vern Shook in 75-79 men’s and Karen Shook in 65-69 women’s.
Crofton has two pickleball athletes attending the Games, Ralph Austerman and Susan Hawkes.
More than 3,500 athletes, officials and supporters plus another 1,200+ volunteers and fans are converging on the Vernon area for one of the largest community celebrations sport has seen in many years.
The annual event showcases the outstanding athleticism of B.C. competitors 55 years and older and promotes the benefits of leading an active, healthy lifestyle.
The opening ceremony was Wednesday at Kal Tire Place. Competitions continue throughout the Vernon region until Saturday afternoon.