With the countdown to the 2011 B.C. Seniors Games less than 100 days away, the Trail Times is featuring the sports and chairs that will be front and centre when over 3,000 athletes arrive in the West Kootenay.
Running any kind of bowling event has become second nature to Caryl Sanders.
That’s why, as chair of the bowling for the 2011 B.C. Seniors Games, she’s undaunted of the challenge of preparing to welcome bowlers from all over the province to Glenmerry Bowl in Trail.
With 12 lanes, the facility is the largest in the region and the perfect setting for the three-day competition.
“There’s going to be a total of 24 teams, bowling 11 games,” explained Sandnes. “That’s why they had to have it here.”
As someone who has been to numerous provincial and regional events, Sandnes is well-versed in the art of running a smooth tournament.
“This is old hat for us, we’ve been doing this for 37 years,” said Sandnes, who operates Glenmerry Bowl with husband Ron.
That experience has already put her well ahead of the game in terms of preparing for the Seniors Games.
Through her contacts with the Bowling Proprietors Association of B.C., she has managed to organize lane draws, scheduling, everything needed for a well-run event.
As for volunteer help, Sandnes is on top of that too.
“We really don’t need a lot of volunteers,” she explained.
“Actually we already got them in place pretty much. We wanted to get our own volunteers. We want people who are involved in bowling and know the sport of bowling.”
Bowling’s participation level dropped off somewhat at last year’s Seniors Games, but Sandnes said there’s been plenty of interest locally, which bodes well for a large turnout of participants, especially from the West Kootenay.
“I think it’s going to be great,” she added. “I hope everything goes well.”
For more information on how to volunteer for the Games, visit www.2011bcseniorsgames.org and click on “Volunteer.”