15 Games and Counting
Connie Vincent lives in Campbell River, BC. She plays badminton up to three or four times a week. She plays in Campbell River in the 50+ daytime program and also travels 45 minutes to play at the CRA Seniors sessions in Courtenay!
Connie, whose ancestry is Swedish and Indigenous, grew up in Laidlaw, BC. During her schooling years, she played the sports offered in elementary school. In her high school years she attended Burnaby North. She played basketball, participated in all of the track and field events she could. She and her sister tried slo-pitch as well.
Connie, who turns 86 in May, began playing badminton in a recreation group in Chilliwack in 1972. Sometime later she moved to the Courtenay area and was playing badminton there. One day prior to the games, the badminton sport coordinator, Daryl Bissell, came to a session to let people know about the seniors games! Connie decided to enter her first games at age 70! She has only missed one set of games since then when she chose to go to Seattle to watch the Toronto Blue Jays play.
When asked why she has kept attending the games she said for the love of the game, because she meets new people and makes new friends at each set of games! For those reasons, she would recommend the 55+ Games to other people.
Connie, who almost always drives herself to and from the games, has medalled in each of the 15 games she has competed in. She has a regular doubles partner from Courtenay, Mary Reed, who is the same age and her mixed doubles partner, Russel Lang will be turning 80 this year! Not only does Connie play doubles and mixed she also plays singles in the games! Often she and her partners have to play down against younger age categories and do so with a smile! Hopefully in Kelowna, there will be some players in her age category and more new friends to meet and make!
Connie is extremely active when not playing badminton! The photo was taken on a hiking trip to Haida Gwaii.
Connie is a role model for all! She is self-taught but very smart on the court. She observes others and is a lifelong learner of the game! She covers the court very well and has wicked crosscourt shots! She has a great manner on the court and a competitive spirit but is truly a great sportswoman in our sport!
