So many memories, so many sporting and cultural feats, so many new friendships made.
The Alberta 55-plus Summer Games co-hosted by Barrhead and Westlock lived up to all expectations. No, it far exceeded them.
When the Games organizers and their stellar army of 600-plus volunteers awoke yesterday after a well-deserved rest they could reflect proudly on four fantastic days that brought out the best in all of us.
It was truly a Games for dreaming, achieving and inspiring.
Who will forget the amazing story of a 100-year-old woman called Florence Storch throwing the javelin? Or what about 86-year-old cyclist Margrit de Graff, who powered her way to two bronze medals, or the age-defying feats of many runners and jumpers?
Look at the photographs in this paper of participants in the long jump. Look at their faces, look at the determination, the ambition, the desire to go that extra inch.
Then look at the picture of Barrhead’s Rita McCaw on the podium after her extraordinary swimming exploits in Westlock. The expression of joy is a celebration of life we all should share.
Such athleticism and grit are an inspiration to us all. In a youth-obsessed society that too often belittles seniors and sees aging as a crime, the message is clear: don’t let age define you. Don’t let age limit your expectations of yourself.
If your nerve fails, then think of Storch or de Graff. Think of 77-year-old Bob Lee, who fought back against a serious spinal injury to win three silver medals.
Think of 66-year-old Richard Jacobs, who underwent open heart surgery 20 months ago. Just taking part in the Games would have been a fine testament to his tenacity.
But he did better than that – he won several medals, including a gold at the 65-plus men’s 100m back.
In the spirit of awarding medals, we will now hold our own ceremony, honouring those who made the party possible.
A gold for the 600 plus volunteers who stepped forward to answer the Games committee’s appeal for help.
A gold for Games chair Gerry St. Pierre and manager Marcie Mazurenko
A gold for all the directors, who attended meeting after meeting, often on cold winter nights, to join the dots of this massive undertaking
A gold for the Town of Barrhead, which ensured the community looked its absolute sparkling best for its big moment in the spotlight
The next Games will be held in Strathmore. The town will do well to emulate what has been achieved in Barrhead and Westlock, but we wish them every success as they begin years of preparation. We expect many of last week’s competitors will travel to Strathmore to relive the experience of competition and camaraderie.
For the Games didn’t die on Sunday. The activities may be over, but the spirit of the event will live on in the hearts and minds of all of us.
