Second wind? Maybe third or fourth, but that didn’t stop a group of 55-plus athletes as they gathered at the Melville track-and-field area on June 6.
An unlikely group of eight senior athletes was competing at the Parkland Valley District track-and-field meet, which is held annually in Melville, said Dave Weiman of Danbury, president of the Parkland Valley District which is part of the Saskatchewan Seniors Fitness Association.
The track-and-field meet, which is a gathering of athletes competing in four throwing events and seven running events, including the very popular pre-determined walking event, is co-ordinated by Anita Bella of Melville, who was also a participant in the pre-determined walking event.
“This year we were fortunate to have a guest athlete by the name of Dale Lawrence of Melfort from the Lakeland District, who competes provincially and nationally. His main events are the 100-metre run, javelin, long jump and triple jump.
Gloria Ritter and Ilean Kulynchuk, both of Melville, got involved in several of the run events, Weiman said, adding that he participated in both run and jump events.
“I had a hard time keeping up to the national-ranked guest but sure had fun trying,” he said.
Bob Edwards of Buchanan was his steady self in the throwing events and always places very well in his age class, he said. Ken and Muriel Orr of Churchbridge were a delight in that they were game to try any event.
“The meet attracted a few local spectators scoping out the scene and we will be surely having a few of them involved next year,” Weiman said. “As well, several other districts in the province have expressed interest in attending next year.
At recess, the school students had fun watching “these old fogies” ripping up the track and throwing various missiles into the field, he said.
