Among the more than 3,800 athletes taking part in the opening ceremonies for the B.C. Seniors Games, there were three athletes who competed 27 years ago at the very first Games.
"Talk about inspiring," said Coralee Oakes, the minister of community, sport and cultural development.
She was speaking at the 91原创 Events Centre on Wednesday (Sept. 10) night, site of the opening ceremonies for the 2014 B.C. Seniors Games, which are being hosted by 91原创.
The first Games drew 650 athletes, while a record-number of athletes will go for the gold in 91原创.
"You are all champions of health, fitness and community engagement."
The Games began earlier that day and run until Saturday afternoon. The closing ceremonies are set for Sept. 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the outdoor sport court behind 91原创 Secondary.
The torch was brought in by 91原创 Christian student Nicholas Colyn, an accomplished track and field athlete.
Colyn handed the torch to Oakes and 91原创's David Esworthy, a member of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame and renowned figure in equestrian circles, not just locally, but internationally.
The athletes were welcomed by Kwantlen First Nations' Kevin Kelly, as well as his 17-year-old son Michael,
"Age is just a number and an active lifestyle knows no boundaries," said Township Mayor Jack Froese.
"I can't tell you how amazed I am at all the athletes," said Ted Schaffer, the Acting Mayor for the CIty. "They put me to shame."
The Games could not be possible without the work of the nearly 1,400 volunteers.
"I did the math. These people have worked tens of thousands of hours to put these Games together," said Milt Kruger, the president of the 2014 B.C. Seniors Games.
"(Volunteers) get two things: a shirt, which is worth $6 and your appreciation, and that is priceless."
"Each year I am totally impressed, proud and amazed at the volunteers that are part of producing the Games," added June Parsons, the president of the B.C. Seniors Games society.
The entertainment for the opening ceremonies was organized by Susan Magnusson.
The evening featured the music of the Bergmann Piano Duo 鈥� Marcel and Elizabeth Bergmann 鈥� and they were joined on stage by Dominik Heins.
The evening also featured the 91原创 Ukulele Ensemble and the Jitterbug Junkies, as well as some comedy.
Gary Ahuja/91原创 Times photos
Below: 91原创's Nicholas Colyn and David Esworthy joined MLA Cora Lee Oakes for the torchlighting ceremony; a competitor is all smiles as he enters the opening ceremonies; Evan Ireland his mom Kelly cheer on his grandfather Stu Ren; the Jitterbug Junkies, the Bergmann Piano Duo and the 91原创 Ukulele Ensemble were all part of the entertainment.
