With an ever-increasing number of people making the City of Parksville and surrounding area their retirement destination, Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA) is dedicated to helping them maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
Incorporated in 1993 under the BC Societies Act, the Association has grown from a few founding members to the present membership of more than one thousand.
PGOSA membership is open to those 55 years of age and older. An associate membership is available for younger spouses. The annual fee is ten dollars.
The Summer-time list of activities is highlighted by the slo-pitch program. This is open to men and women over 55 years of age. From May to September, the newly-expanded six-team Fun League takes to the field three times a week, culminating with a wind-up tournament for bragging rights. For the more competitive types, there are also two rep teams, a 55-year-old and over team and a 65+ team. They play in a league with teams from surrounding communities and vie for the right to represent Zone Two in the B.C. Senior Games.
The Association constructed four horseshoe pitches near the picnic shelter in the Parksville Community Park. On Friday mornings there are horseshoe and bocce competitions. Tied in with them are the popular monthly pancake brunches. The ladies' luncheons are also held on a monthly basis.
The cycling group meets twice weekly year round. During the summer, rides are scheduled on Wednesday mornings and evenings, plus Sunday morning. Several special excursions to surrounding destinations are also featured during the summer.
For the golfers there are two tournaments - one in June and one in September, which are always well attended. There are two mini-golf outings annually, with a luncheon.
Two hiking groups operate on a weekly basis, year-round. They car-pool to various scenic hiking locations on Vancouver Island.
The PGOSA Single's Group provides a wide variety of interesting activities within various venues to encourage even the most reluctant members to come out and participate in our friendly and supportive atmosphere.
The winter-time activities include a hockey program, where seniors can play drop-in three times a week - Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There are two sessions each day, to accommodate the large number of seniors (over 160) taking part in our national game. Four tournaments are held each season, where teams compete for the coveted PGOSA Cup. For the more competitive hockey players there are rep teams that compete in outside tournaments. Oceanside operates a four-team 55+ league and a three-team 70+ league.
Sandwiched between the two hockey ice times, three times weekly, is adult skating, where members skate to appropriate music and later socialize over hot drinks in the arena lobby. These skating sessions are well attended and many seniors are enjoying skating for the first time in many, years. There are monthly curling bonspiels. Those who haven't curled for years, or those who have never thrown a rock are encouraged to take part. Instruction is provided. There is also a weekly curling league. Bus trips go to Mount Washington, where members enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country or snowshoeing and for some, just a trip to the mountains for some fresh air and picturesque beauty.
Five pin bowling is a popular activity at Sunset Lanes in Parksville. More recently, volley ball, pickle ball and badminton evening groups have been formed. Beach volleyball is a new activity in thesummer.
PGOSA is more than the name implies, as along with the recreation activities it also features various social events, highlighted by an annual variety show, featuring our own PGOSA talent, supper dances, bus excursions, a picnic, a barbeque, monthly card afternoons, two RV camping trips and whatever else a very imaginative and active social committee may come up with.
Members are kept up to date on activities on the web site and those not on the web are phoned each month. Phyllis Ketteringham, 250-752-2028, is the Membership Chair.
Many members have completed a first aid and CPR course, sponsored and subsidized by PGOSA for the benefit and safety of all members.
Incorporation S-30981 - Sept 1, 1993 - P.O. Box 957, Parksville, B.C. V9P 2G9
