Long-time resident of Clearwater, B.C. Jean Nelson, 91, recently competed once again in the BC 55+ Seniors Games in Salmon Arm from Sept. 10 through 14.
Jean and her long time friend Mary Pakka, from White Lake are both the same age and have been cycling and competing together for many years. This year they raced together again riding four times around a scenic 9.3 kilometre loop in Salmon Arm that equalled what they called "about 40 clicks".
As the BC 55+ Games website explains, the 55+ BC Games are presented on an annual basis in different host communities. Each community, under its own registered volunteer board of directors, enlists hundreds of volunteers to help plan and stage the Games in partnership with the BC Seniors Games Society. The Games are funded by the BC Seniors Games Society, with funding provided by the provincial government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport as well as many local friends of the Games contributors.
Hosting the Games represents an approximate $3 million economic impact on the host community and surrounding area. The 55+ BC Games are an important part of the BC sport system and the largest annual multi-sport event in the province. The Games offer the opportunity to celebrate sport and active living with other participants from across the province and experience the hospitality of the host community.
Well done Jean and Mary, you are an inspiration in our valley and beyond.
