Hard work paid off for Kim Coleman at the B.C. Senior Games in Langley Sept.9-14.
The Pentictonite teamed up with West Kelowna’s Marylene Ward to win gold in pickle ball.
“I wanted to win a medal this year. I felt I worked hard enough for it,” said Coleman, who plays seven days a week.
Coleman and Ward’s gold was one of 64 won by zone 5 Okanagan-Similkameen during the B.C. Senior Games.
“It was pretty fantastic … and finally get to apply my skills,” said Coleman, competing in her second games. “I have a lot of competition here in Penticton. It has paid off.”
Coleman said the competition was good despite there not being as many teams, only four. Coleman said her and Ward formed a strong tandem that dominated. Competing at the B.C. senior games was a great experience for Coleman, but she also saw nerves impacting the athletes.
“You’re pretty hyped,” said Coleman, who played in level four. “People take their sport pretty serious.”
As serious as Coleman takes it, she loves playing.
“I have always played racquet sports,” said Coleman, who was back in action Monday at the Community Centre. “I have played them all. I like the speed, I like the aggression with this game. I love the combination of the strategy and the movement.”
In archery, Ron and Mary Ostermeier won two gold medals. Ron won in the 65-69 target compound with sight and release and in compound with sight and release, while Mary won in the same categories.
“To compete with other seniors is a great experience,” said Ron, who, with his wife competes in archery events throughout the year in various locations. “To win a gold medal is always a great feeling no matter what the level of competition.”
It’s not the first time the Ostermeiers have won, but the feeling is just as good.
In team events, the Okanagan Old Timers 60-plus soccer team earned a silver medal. The team featured Penticton’s Tim Polukoshko, Frank Victorin and Peter Ruocco, as well as Summerland’s Don Russell, Harry Higson and Charley Mayer.
In slo-pitch, the Ogopogo 60s earned silver with Penticton’s Ron McKinley, Barry Woods, Summerland’s Dale MacDonald and Oliver’s Brian Campbell.
The Okanagan Mac’s 70-plus men’s team also earned silver with Penticton’s Jim Hodson, Okanagan Falls’ Ken Kamp and Oliver’s Jim Cade.
In women’s slo ptich, the Swoop earned bronze with Penticton’s Jackie Wewetzer, Pamela Cayer, Linda Lindsay, Summerland’s Donna Eaton, and Donna Waddington, Oliver’s Gloria Luypen, and Keremeos’ Pat Soroke and Bev Smith.
In lawn bowling, the team of Jack Byron and Mladen Bosnjak of Penticton earned bronze.
In darts, the men’s and women’s 65-plus team Oliver’s Dave Veach and Ruth McDonald teamed up with Okanagan Falls’ Lavina Mockler and Russ Ashton to win gold. McDonald and Mockler then teamed up to earn bronze in doubles play.
Denise Head of Okanagan Falls earned bronze in doubles play.
Osoyoos’ Cliff Young won gold in archery in the 70-74 target recurve without sight and fingers and 3d recurve without sight and fingers.
In golf, Oliver’s Mary Lou Harkness scored 174 in the 55-59 age group to win gold division A gross. Osoyoos’ Stephanie Goy won gold in 80-plus division B net scoring 144. Dianne Hughes earned bronze in women’s 65-69 division B net scoring 163. Marie Middler earned bronze in the women’s 80-plus division B gross scoring 225. Anna Kole earned bronze in the 60-64 division A gross scoring 194. Alfred Kole earned bronze in the men’s 60-64 division B gross scoring 193.