At 75, most athletes' sporting dreams are long behind them. They may enjoy a recreational round of weekend golf or go for a stroll, but the more serious stuff remains in scrapbooks and memories.
At 75, most athletes' sporting dreams are long behind them. They may enjoy a recreational round of weekend golf or go for a stroll, but the more serious stuff remains in scrapbooks and memories.
Bessie Stevens, however, is about to climb the summit of her golfing ambition – playing at the 2012 Canada 55 plus Senior Games in Sydney, Nova Scotia, between Aug. 29 and Sept. 1.
"I feel very honoured to be going at my age, 75," she said last Thursday. "It is a once in a lifetime experience."
Stevens is one of eight people from the Barrhead area competing in the games for Team Alberta. The others are stick curlers Al Shipton, Jim Rasmusson, Henry Lappin and Glen Thompson; crib player Mary Thomson; triathlete Bruce Loughridge and slo-pitch player Gene Schmaus. All eight had to qualify.
The event features four days of competition in 23 sports and activities across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Hundreds from all over the country are expected to take part.
According to the games website, Stevens will play on Thursday and Friday (Aug. 30-31) at the Lingan Golf and CC, Sydney.
"I will be playing two rounds of 18 holes," said Stevens, who has competed at area, zone and provincial level before, but never on the national stage.
"To be playing for the first time at this level is really wonderful, particularly at my age."
Stevens, who started playing golf when she was about 25, will be staying at a hotel in Nova Scotia. Accompanying her will be husband, John, her number one fan.
"My main aim is to have a lot of fun," she said. "It's also about keeping active and socializing."
Stevens, who plays at Paddle River Golf Course and Barrhead's main golf course, has never been to Nova Scotia before. She will fly out on Monday, Aug. 27.
Besides all the sports, the games event schedule includes: Wednesday, Aug. 29 – parade and opening ceremonies at Harbourside Park; Thursday, Aug. 30 – A Cape Breton kitchen party at Joan Harriss Cruise Pavillion, next to the Big Fiddle; Friday, Aug. 31 – The Blues Merchants perform at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavillion, next to the Big Fiddle; Saturday, Sept. 1 – closing dinner and closing concert.
