Joy Andersen

Campbell River

Joy Andersen was an active volunteer with the 2010 BC Seniors Games. The annual Games are a multi-sport event with approximately 3,500 participants, aged 55 plus, from across BC. The Games are hosted by a different community each year in one of the 12 zones in the province. This year they took place in the Comox Valley & Campbell River zone from September 15 to 18, 2010, where Joy was the Host Chair for the Protocol Directorate.

As the Host Chair, Joy eagerly took on responsibility for recruiting, interviewing and coordinating the volunteer hosts for the Games, who provided lunches, gave directions and assisted with logistics. She met with the other Protocol Directorate chairs on a regular basis, coordinated orientation sessions and a first aid course, and answered emails and phone calls. As part of the Protocol Directorate, Joy scheduled approximately 70 volunteers to act as hosts at various venues, the games village and the VIP room. In addition, she assisted in the lighting of the Game’s torch to commemorate the 100-day countdown to the beginning of the BC Seniors Games.

Similar to the 2010 Winter Games, the BC Seniors Games have left a very strong legacy of physical activity and involvement in the host community – motivating residents to be active in competitive and recreational sports and to adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle. BC residents can be involved in future BC Seniors Games and contribute to their legacy by participating, visiting or volunteering.

Joy has been residing in Campbell River for the last nine years, after moving from Edmonton, Alberta with her son and two daughters. She enjoys the company of her four grandchildren and staying active in her retirement years by playing golf and duplicate bridge, gardening and volunteering. In fact, Joy’s dedication to volunteerism is impressive. She has assisted at the Campbell River & District Regional Hospital, aided community organizations with grant applications and contributed to the organization of the torch run for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

Joy says that volunteering is an amazing opportunity to give back to her community and has gained a sense of satisfaction knowing that she has contributed. She has these words for people thinking of volunteering at future Games: "Come out! Have fun! Show off your community because hosting the BC Seniors Games is a one-time opportunity for each community".

Leading up to the 2011 Games in Nelson, Castlegar and Trail, each zone in the province will be seeking volunteers for activities, practices and try-outs that take place at the regional level. Check out www.55plusbcgames.org for upcoming information and opportunities for volunteering!