INTRODUCTION

Incorporation S-30981 - September 1, 1993 P.O. Box 957 - Parksville, B.C. V9P 2G9

With an ever-increasing number of seniors making the City of Parksville and the surrounding area their retirement destination, Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA) is dedicated to assisting them in maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.

Incorporated on September, 1993 under the B.C. Charities Act, PGOSA has grown from a few founding members to the present membership of over 1,000. It is funded mainly by a $10 annual membership fee. Membership requirements are that you attain your 55th birthday in the current calendar year. Associate membership will be granted to a person who is under age, but his or her spouse is over the age of 55.

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.

PGOSA constructed four horseshoe pitches near the picnic shelter in the Parksville Community Park. Anyone may use them by signing out a set of shoes at the recreation office. Friday mornings there are horseshoe and boccie 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 weekly from May to September and features several special excursions to surrounding destinations. 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 Island hiking locations.

The winter-time activities include a hockey program, where seniors can play shinny three times a week - Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There are two sessions each day, to accommodate the large number of seniors (over 150) 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. 

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 session 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 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.

Bowling is a popular activity, both five and 10-pin, as is floor curling at the Bradley Centre. More recently a volley ball and badminton evening groups have been formed.

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 by a phoning committee. Many members have completed a first aid and CPR course, sponsored and subsidized by PGOSA for the benefit and safety of all members.

PGOSA president Jack Verspagen  will be glad to answer any questions. He can be reached at 951-0746.                                      New members are welcome.

PGOSA Executive      2008/2009