Further to Tuesday’s story on the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association’s (PGOSA) 20th anniversary open house, The NEWS checked in with Qualicum Beach mayor Teunis Westbroek, who attended the celebration along with Parksville mayor Chris Burger.
Westbroek is a big fan of PGOSA, and is always quick to credit the local seniors sports association for the lifestyle it promotes.
In terms of the two communities, “Mayor Burger and I have known each other for a long time and so we have a good solid relationship that helps us advance the interests for both our communities when it comes to recreation,” said Westbroek.
Last year the two communities did a joint ‘Relaxation Capital of the World’ promotion “inviting people to come here and relax, but apart from that, we want people to relax, but also be fit.”
Qualicum the oldest community in Canada based on average age, and Parksville right near the top as well, “and I think it’s because of the high quality of life that we have here,” said Westbroek pointing out the two communities share facilities like the swimming pool in Qualicum Beach and the Arena in Parksville, and that the list of things to do in these parts is inviting.
More golf courses then you can swing a club at; there’s the two curling clubs, the two lawn bowling clubs — Qualicum Beach boasts the only indoor greens in the country...all of which are kept running by volunteers.
“Parks and trails, the waterfront, ball fields, everything is in place here for people to grow old by being active,” said Westbroek. “People get involved in organizations like PGOSA...we celebrate that. We invite people to stay active as long as they can,” he said pointing out the area also boasts a vibrant performing and visual arts community along with churches and social clubs.
“If you don’t use it you will lose it, and that goes for the brain as well as the body,” he surmised.