Berwick Retirement Communities has been named presenting sponsor of the 2022 55+ BC Games, taking place in Victoria Sept. 13 to Sept. 17.
Berwick’s commitment to creating active, inspired lifestyles for seniors complements the mission of the games, which celebrate healthy adults aged 55 and up through fun and competitive sport and recreation activities.
“The power of sport is an engaging but powerful force that unites, heals and improves our health at all ages in our lives,” said Berwick’s CEO, Amir Hemani. “The drive at Berwick to harness an active aging lifestyle for the seniors living with us makes our involvement with the 55+ BC Games a perfect fit. The spirit of volunteerism will continue to foster community while supportive but fierce competition will bring out the drive in all participants. We are beyond excited to see the Games begin.”
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Several Berwick residents are former competitors and volunteers at the Games. Among them are Joan Tebbutt of Berwick Comox Valley, who participated in golf; Kathleen Lamb, also of Berwick Comox Valley, who participated in race walking; and Lois Smith of Berwick Qualicum Beach, who medalled in swimming.
“Along with camaraderie and healthy lifestyles, the games celebrate community,” said Victoria Games board president Michael O’Connor, founding partner at McConnan Bion O’Connor and Peterson law firm. “Berwick’s commitment to community helps set the tone of the Games: after two years of restricted social interactions, this event will be one where people from across the province unite to socialize, reconnect, and engage, all in the name of active living.”
More than 4,000 participants, 1,500 volunteers and thousands of spectators from around B.C. will travel to the capital region to participate in sport and community building during the 2022 Games. They will feature 30 sports and activities including curling, triathlon, mountain biking, bocce, pickleball, cribbage, and bridge.
It’s the first time Greater Victoria has hosted the 55+ BC Games in the event’s 36-year history, and it’s the first major multi-sport event the capital city is hosting since the 1997 North American Indigenous Games.
Participant registration for the 2022 Greater Victoria 55+ BC Games opened March 1, 2022. Volunteers are being actively recruited.
More information on the games at 55plusbcgames.org
— NEWS Staff, submitted