A few of the local participants heading off to the 55+ B.C. Games this September in Vernon presented Rio Tinto with a commemorative collection of the games’ medals as recognition for its sponsorship.
The company made a three-year commitment of $15,000 a year through its donations and sponsorships program to help supply the medals for the 55+ B.C. Games.
Bill Whitty, 55+ B.C. Games zone director, said the organization was very grateful for Rio Tinto’s commitment to the games.
“If it wasn’t for the games a lot of seniors would find themselves sitting in a doctor’s waiting room,” said Whitty. “I have no doubt in my mind that the games are the second best healthcare program that the province has to offer people over 55.”
He said the games were primarily about seniors getting out, meeting old friends and socializing.
“If you go to the games and don’t enjoy it, something was wrong. Getting a medal is just a bonus,” he added. The medals were presented to Gareth Manderson, general manager Rio Tinto B.C. Works, ahead of the 2017 55+ B.C. Games.
“Rio Tinto feels privileged to be a partner of the B.C. Seniors Games Society and to be able to support an important component of the provincial sport sector, encouraging life-long participation in sport and by providing provincial level competitive opportunities,” said Manderson.
The annual 55+ B.C. Games event, hosted at various locations around the province, attracts some 3,500 competitors and about 1,500 volunteers in over 25 sporting categories.