Frank and Sharon Ferris didn’t expect to get on the podium when they competed in Peterborough’s Ontario 55+ Summer Games.
But after the couple qualified and competed in the Canada 55+ games in Kamloops last week, they’re amongst the crew bringing national hardware back to the Highlands.
Frank Ferris won gold in the 1,000m walk and silver in the 400m walk. Sharon Ferris won bronze in the 1,000m walk and 400m walk. Jane Symons was fifth in the 1,000m walk and 11th in the 400m walk. In pickleball, Mike Johnson placed fourth and won silver in mixed 70+. In golf, Robert Pearce won bronze in the 70+ low gross flight category and Harold McInerney placed fourth.
“It’s about meeting new people, just the experience of it. We’re trying to stay active,” Frank said.
Each year, around 2,500 participants compete in 26 different events.
“The games offer opportunities for enrichment, fulfillment and improved quality of life provided by participation in a broad variety of athletic, recreational and social events,” states the games’ website. “Although the very nature of the games is to declare a winner, or winners, the aspect of winning is secondary to the social side related to reuniting with friends from games’ past.”
District 11 spokesperson Mary Johnson said in an email, “I do believe that District 11 participants represented us well. So proud of them.”
Peterborough results
Before the Kamloops tournament, District 11 received seven medals at the 2022 Peterborough Ontario Summer Games Aug. 9-11.
Frank Ferris won gold in the walking 75+ age group, Sharon Ferris won silver in the nordic pole walking 55+ group, Jane Symons won silver in the walking 55+ age group, Robert Pearce won gold in the golf 75+ age group, Larry Baadsvik won silver in bowling and Phil Harknett picked up bronze in pickleball with partner Stephen Phinney.
The District 11 association of athletes is in need of new executive board members. Email maryejohnson42@ gmail.com to get involved.
