The return of the 55+ B.C. Games was a triumphant one for Chemainus’ Tim and Nola Hendrie.
The couple collected 10 medals between them in Victoria during the first 55+ B.C. Games since 2019 in Kelowna.
But the Hendries haven’t been idle since then and remained active on the track and field scene.
“We’ve had a couple of track meets, like the local ones we have every year,” said Nola.
Tim, 71, claimed two silver medals (200 metres and high jump), along with two bronze medals in the shot put and 400 metres in the men’s 70-74-year-old category.
Nola, 67, secured gold medals in five events for 65-69-year-old women: hammer throw, weight throw, shot put, pole vault and the throws pentathlon. She added a bronze in the 100 m.
The Hendries train 11 months of the year and the 55+ Games are the last meet of the season.
“It is one of our favourite meets because we see people from all over B.C. that we only see once or maybe twice a year, plus some new-found friends,” noted Nola.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have the time during the games to watch other events such as dragon boating, table tennis, swimming, pickleball or hockey so we don’t get to experience the full flavour of the games.”
Attendance was down from the last games, Nola added. She was the only one in her age group for four of the six events.
“That assures me of getting a medal, but I’m really only interested in how well I do compared to other days,” Nola indicated. “I did my seasonal best in pole vault, which was gratifying. I have a coach who is always very positive and optimistic so I am glad that I did my best performance.”
Nola also had the pleasure of watching two senior men from Nanaimo Track and Field who she trains with set Canadian records in the pole vault. Amazing Joe Giegerich of Nanoose is 90 years old and Larry Fiege of Duncan is 85.
Tim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 11 years ago, but always gives it his all and thoroughly enjoys the games.
“He is happy that he can still run around the track and high jump as well,” Nola noted. “Exercise is very important to people with Parkinson’s and Tim does get lots of exercise.”
The Hendries also enjoy the social aspect of the games and attended a dinner and dance that was part of the activities.
Another Chemainus resident, Donna Stafford-Tyrrell, received a bronze medal in swimming for the women’s 80-84-year-old 25-metre backstroke. She also just missed a medal in the 25 breaststroke and 25 freestyle, placing fourth in each event.
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