The positive vibe at Salmon Arm's Rogers Rink Wednesday evening was undeniable. 

Adams Lake Band Councillor Joyce Kenoras acknowledged it when sharing her opening remarks for a ceremony marking the opening of the Salmon Arm 55+ BC Games. 

"I鈥檓 so impressed with you," said Kenoras, at the Sept. 11 event. "I鈥檓 watching the energy, the excitement, the fun that you鈥檙e displaying鈥� you know, we鈥檝e got to teach our young people some of that. We鈥檝e got to encourage that. They always say that the elders, who we are, 55+, and our young people, we belong together, and with that I know each one of us will embrace those beautiful young ones. Let鈥檚 continue to do that." 

The evening's MC, Kenthen Thomas, opened the ceremony recognizing the many volunteers who have made this year's games possible, and followed Kenoras' speech with a Welcome Song. Afterwards, the crowd was treated to performances by the Salmon Arm Community Band and the Salmon Arm Men's Chorus. 

Thomas then thanked retiring Salmon Arm Staff Sgt. Scott West for leading the procession of dignitaries and the Salmon Arm Games' Host Organizing Committee members to the stage.

"In the history of the 55+ games, the City of Salmon Arm is one of the smallest populated cities to have the honour to be an official Games host. We believe this is a great opportunity to showcase our small city and big ideas mantra," said Thomas before once again acknowledging volunteers and introducing the Games' directors.  

Salmon Arm Mayor Alan Harrison welcomed the many athletes participating in the Games before sharing the city's gratitude for the opportunity to host the event. 

"It is our absolute privilege to host the 2024 55+ BC Games," said Harrison. "Thank you to the BC (Seniors) Games Society, to President John Buis and the board, for having the belief, for having the belief that our small city could pull off the biggest multi-sport event in the province. We may be small, but we can do big things!"

Coun. Debbie Cannon, Host Organizing Committee president, also shared gratitude to the athletes, volunteers and fellow organizers. She began her speech, however, by asking for a moment to honour three table tennis participants involved in a motor-vehicle collision near Enderby on Tuesday, Sept. 10. One was killed in the incident and the other two injured. Cannon thanked first responders and wished the 鈥渟wiftest of recoveries for the survivors.鈥� 

During his turn at the podium, Buis thanked the volunteers who helped plan and stage the games. 

"Your efforts will never go unnoticed," said Buis. "These games offer our participants the opportunity to celebrate sport and active living with others from across the province and experience the hospitality of the host community, and we could not do this without you of course. Every 55+ BC Games needs a host society that relies on strong leadership as president Debbie Cannon and her team have done. Debbie has pushed her directors to be the very best. We are indebted to the Salmon Arm host society for that. The commitment and dedication shown by you key volunteers showcases the strength of volunteerism in the community." 

Later, Buis brought to the stage White Rock's Betty Brussel who recently celebrated her 100th birthday and was competing in the Games in her beloved sport, swimming. The crowd cheered as Brussel was presented an award of merit. 

鈥淚t's not just her age, it's all her sporting accomplishments she's achieved in the last 20 or so years,鈥� Buis said, noting Brussel holds a number of world records. Her first, however, was set in Salmon Arm. 

"She started out swimming in a canal in Holland and that was just prior to the Second World War," said Buis. "Now she continues to swim and this morning she swam 16 lengths of the pool all at once."

The evening continued with a presentation by Just for Kicks Dance Studio, followed by the flag and torch lighting ceremonies. Torch bearers included Don Hurst, Mary Pakka, Ralph Owens, Lois Angle and finally Gerry Thomas, who completed the task with Buis.