Myrtle Acton - Star Athlete

2006-07 - by Susan McIver - Myrtle Acton of Summerland is a star athlete with a room full of medals to prove it. She started collecting medals in 1993 when she attended her first BC Seniors Games in Cranbrook. "I can't remember how I heard about the games, but as soon as I did I wanted to compete," Myrtle said. She has participated every year since except when she moved from Surrey to Summerland in the year 2000. Last summer, she brought home four medals, one gold medal and three bronze medals, from the World Masters Games held in Edmonton. "Masters refers to the participants being older," explained Myrtle. This summer she will most likely bring home more medals from the BC Seniors Games in Abbotsford, August 23-26.The BC Seniors Games Society was organized in 1987 for the purpose of promoting active participation in sport and recreation for residents 55 years of age and older. There are 23 categories of events ranging from hockey, slo-pitch and soccer to bridge, darts and one-act plays. "There's no pre-qualification for any of the events, just come and have a good time," Myrtle said. She enjoys the camaraderie and spirit of friendly competition and has made many friends at the games. Myrtle specializes in track and field events, shot put, javelin, discus, hammer, race walk and predicted walk-In the predicted walk, participates predict how long it will take them to complete the walk. They do the walk three times over a three-day period and then compare their average time with their predicted time. The person whose predicted time is closest to the actual time wins. Myrtle grew up on a farm near Unity, Saskatchewan. "I was always doing something physical. I'd probably be called hyperactive now days," she said, recalling her early years. She participated in track and field events in high school. A highlight of the year was the spring sports day when students from the surrounding area competed. Years later, Myrtle met a former competitor, Mae Turek, at the senior games in Fernie. "Mae's still participating even though she's had both hips and a wrist replaced," Myrtle said. After high school, Myrtle lived in Saskatoon and then Whitehorse for over 20 years before coming to the Lower Mainland in 1976.Myrtle has been a keen walker throughout her life, including being a letter carrier for a few years. She also was the leader of weight watchers groups for 10 years. Today, she walks several times a week with a group of friends. "I practice for the games on the days I'm not walking," she said. Currently, Myrtle is second vice president of the BC Seniors Games Society. The province is divided into 12 zones with the Okanagan-Similkameen being zone five. She previously served as secretary and president of zone five. "The senior games are the best kept secret in the province," Myrtle said. She encourages seniors to participate as a way to enrich their lives and improve their health. Volunteers of any age are welcome to assist at the games or beforehand in such areas as coaching, fundraising, publicity and promotion. Membership in BC Seniors Games costs $15. Participants pay a $50 registration fee for the games and non-participants a fee of $40.The registration fee includes a banquet. For further information visit the website www.bcseniorsgames.org or call John Nicolson at 494-8874 or Merle Irvine at 493-9284.

 

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