The 2nd Annual Wine Capital of Canada Senior Oldtimers Hockey Tournament (Oliver)
Published in the Seniors Choice March 2005
Expanding opportunities for senior's hockey is having a positive impact on local economies. The Oliver Recreation Department is running their second Senior Oldtimers Hockey Tournament. The tournament promotes the spirit of inclusion and welcome to seniors of all hockey-playing abilities.
Working together with local hockey personality Grant Wheeler, Bob Grant of the Oliver Recreation Department has organized the Second Annual Senior Oldtimers Hockey Tournament. Although few in numbers for the first iteration in 2004 the numbers participating have trebled for the Second Annual Tournament due mainly an adjustment in scheduling. In an expanded format from two teams last year to six teams this year the growth of the tournament reflects the exponential growth of Senior Oldtimers Hockey in the province. It also emphasises the economic benefit inherent in promoting senior sports tournaments in host communities.
The Oliver tournament is designed upon the successful format used by Mike Todd for the Vernon Harvest Hockey Jamboree that has infused the Vernon economy every October for the past eight years. It is that desire to emulate the 'all-inclusive' nature of Mike's format that drives the Oliver tournament's individual registration and that harkening-back to earlier times and the nature of pick-up hockey. It is getting together with an unencumbered new group with new faces, new personalities, differing skills, strengths and frailties.
Returning to the Oliver tournament in his 90th year the Kelowna hockey-playing icon, Ken Heywood will be the featured Guest of Honour at the Wine Capital of Canada Senior Oldtimers Hockey Tournament! (See the Seniors Choice November 2004 Edition for the story on Ken). The City of Oliver, the business community, the Recreation staff and all the participants are particularly pleased to wish Ken a happy, healthy and glorious 90th Senior Oldtimer Hockey playing Birthday.
The tournament will be run in the Oliver Arena from the Tuesday 15th to Thursday the 17th of March 2005. The public is welcome to view the competition and give the players a warm Oliver greeting. Senior members of the community are particularly welcome and encouraged to attend the games. There is no charge for admission. Cheering from the stands is encouraged.
For more information about the tournament, timings and sponsorship opportunities please contact Bob Grant in Oliver at 498- 4985.
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