Sports
Inspiring the young at heart
“We may be old but we are forever young at heart.” —Richard Gere
Though written and recorded more than a half
century ago, “Young at Heart” has become more than simply a pop standard. It
has inspired a timeless message.
A million seller in 1953 for legendary
crooner Frank Sinatra, the tune’s lyrics deliver a positive message: “And if
you should survive to be a hundred and five, Look at all you’ll derive out of
bein’ alive, And here is the best part, you have a head start, If you are among
the very young at heart.”
John Young was apparently listening.
A retired school teacher, Young has long been
extolling the virtues of an active lifestyle. Six years ago he came with a plan
to further advance the theme.
“I have an idea,” he told his wifeJoan, to which she groaned and replied, “Oh-oh.”
Of the hundreds of local road races, Young
realized that no one had ever thought to have an event specifically for seniors
55 and over. Thus, the Forever Young Club, a local group of similarly-motivated
local walkers and runners, took the opportunity to organize such an event and
the Forever Young 8k was born.
As outlined in its annual brochure, there are
many senior walkers and runners in our communities, Young says.
“This event is a chance for them to gain
well-deserved recognition for their commitment to fitness. The Forever Young 8k
celebrates active seniors, setting an example to encourage all seniors to adopt
a healthy lifestyle.”
Young, who for a decade organized the Terry
Fox Run in Richmond, is confident that as the years go on, the event will become
even more popular and a fixture in the Greater Vancouver running scene.
The 2018 Forever Young 8k is set for Sunday,
Sept. 9 at the Richmond Olympic Oval, starting at 9 a.m. And it will almost
certainly draw many returning participants, including Cate Gage.
Gage was so pleased to be able to partake
last year, she penned a heartfelt thank you.
“I am new to running and find huge events to
be intimidating,” she wrote. “The volunteers and participants in your run were
supportive, inspirational and so much fun. We were also thrilled to learn about
your sponsor, Verve, and hear about their services. Your event was not only
enjoyable but it was also extremely educational. We plan to make this an annual
event and hope that we are able to take advantage of your free registration
(anyone over the age of 90 may sign up for free) in a few decades.”
All participants in the not-for-profit
Forever Young 8k, which is sanctioned by BC Athletics, will receive a dry-fit
tech t-shirt and a medal to show the grandkids, and afterwards may rejoice in
food and beverages while enjoying ‘60s music from Radio LG 104.3. There will
also be many vendors on site of interest to seniors, with up to 100 draw prizes
available for lucky patrons. All age group winners will receive a bottle of quality
B.C. wine, and the most senior finisher will receive champagne.
This year’s charity of choice is The Dream-On
Foundation for seniors, similar to Make-A-Wish for young people.
To sign up for this year’s event, or to learn
more, visit website or pick up a brochure in the Richmond Olympic
Oval lobby and register right away.