Competition is a healthy thing; there’s no denying that. Competition can drive an athlete to perform at their highest level in order to succeed. A strong rivalry means that each competitor must work harder and learn from the others in order to be at their absolute best. This is the reason that we tune in to watch the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, the World Cup—and in August, the 2011 BC Seniors Games.

This year, the BC Seniors Games are being shared jointly between the communities of Castlegar, Nelson and Trail. Bill Reid, the vice-president of the West Kootenay BC Seniors Games organizing committee, said the games are definitely a joint effort between each community, which have the rivalry that often exists between nearby towns.

“One distinct advantage is that there is tremendous co-operation between Nelson, Castlegar and Trail,” said Reid. “It’s really bringing the communities together.”

The executive duties are being shared equally, with Castlegar-based Pat Metge holding down the president’s seat and Keith Smyth in Trail as the second vice-president; Reid is located in Nelson. Reid added that the 26 events are also being split between the three communities.

The organizing committee expects that between 3,000 and 3,200 competitors will take part in the games, and are in the process of recruiting up to 1,500 volunteers. Those numbers will be a boon to local hotels, said Reid.

“We expect every hotel in Nelson, Trail and Castlegar to be booked,” he said.

The BC Seniors Games take place from August 16 to 20.