The Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA) is one of the city's "best kept secrets," according to new vice-president of the organization, Rob Jonas.
"One of the best things I did when I moved here was join," said Jonas, who relocated from Vancouver to Parksville a few years ago.
Jonas said through the 1,100-person membership he's met lots of new people, joined sports teams like slow pitch and integrated into Parksville with ease.
"I'm a huge advocate of PGOSA and would highly recommend it," he said. "When I first moved here I didn't know a single person, I had no family and no friends — I just came here on a wing and a prayer."
PGOSA is one of the largest seniors sports associations on Vancouver Island offering an array of activities including: RV trips, pickleball, hockey, hiking, bocce and singles groups to name a few.
It is open to people age 55 and older. Annual membership fees are just $10.
This Tuesday, Sept. 22 PGOSA will be hosting a meet and greet at Oceanside Place from 9-11:30 a.m. in conjunction with the Regional District of Nanaimo's Active Aging Week. You'll be able to liaise with existing members, ask questions and see what the organization has to offer (for more on PGOSA visit www.pgosa.org/index.htm).
Active Aging Week Sept. 20-26 is an annual RDN event promoting the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle as you get older.
During the week of Sept. 20-26 the RDN will showcase several local resources where older adults can be active in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere.
Some activities this year include: aqua zumba, yoga, bellyfit, hula hooping, mini golf and pickleball. The events next week are all free of charge and aim to build stronger connections between older adults and their communities.
This year's theme for Active Aging Week is "Live your adventure."
Some of the events require pre-registration. For more information or to pre-register for an event call Oceanside Place at 250-248-3252. For a full schedule of Active Aging Week events visit www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.