Rosie Armes can’t stop smiling whether she has a gold medal in hand, or is just talking about any of the Senior Games she has attended through the years. This is one woman with an unstoppable zest for life. Armes who attended the recent Alberta 55+Summer Games at Westlock had nothing but praise for the games and of course was happy to be the recipient of her latest gold medal for her win in horseshoes.
“It was a good time, I’ll tell you. The volunteers were great; the people are just super and so accommodating.”
For Armes this means that she will be eligible to attend next year’s Canada Games which are being held in Strathcona County east of Edmonton next year. When asked if she will be going, she replied, “Of course I have to go to the Canada Games. I was at the Canada Games in Brockville in 2010 and it was a super time.” At that competition she brought home a participatory medal in lawn bowling and in the end it’s about having fun, said Armes
Other participants such as Holly Wood share their enthusiasm for the games. Holly Wood who participated in the Military Whist competition said that a highlight for her was seeing the 100 year old Florence Stench from Hanna, out on the field throwing a javelin. Wood laughed, “Here someone that age would be happy if they could knit and Florence is out there throwing a javelin.” Last year Storch was recognized as the oldest participant in the games. As she cannot take this claim two years in a row a special presentation was held to honor her 100 birthday.”She is an inspiration in keeping active,” said Wood.
This group of enthusiasts plans to keep the torch burning for both the upcoming Canada Games next year as well as the 2015 Winter Games in Lethbridge and Summer Games of 2015 that will be hosted in Strathmore. With the next summer games being so close to home this will be a great opportunity for Chestermere residents to participate either as a volunteer or as a competitor in what promises to be a great time. There may also be possibilities to still participate in the Canada Games.
