Watch out for those S.O.B.S (seniors on bikes and skis)
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Craig Lawrence, Slocan Valley Rec. Commission
The Kootenay Slocan Lions Club have recently received a grant through the Government of Canada, New Horizons for Seniors Program to keep seniors (55+) active.
The purpose of the Seniors on Bikes and Skis (SOB’s) is to allow seniors to pursue some healthy outdoor activities enjoying the Slocan Valley in all seasons.
It will also give senior novice skiers the opportunity to try out an activity before deciding on whether they want to commit to purchasing their own equipment.
The Lions have used the funds to purchase a variety of cross country ski packages and bicycles (including electric assist) and will be making them available to seniors in the Slocan Valley in the months ahead.
Starting in January, the ski equipment will be available to seniors throughout the valley. To access the equipment, contact either Don Munro (project organizer) at 250-226-7855 or Slocan Valley Recreation 250-226-0008.
For those needing a little bit of help getting started, Slocan Valley Recreation will be hosting a ski/training day on Monday, Jan. 10 beginning at 10 a.m., meeting at the Slocan Park Hall.
Everyone will be going out and enjoying a ski along the Slocan Valley Rail Trail. After that, skis must be pre-booked for use. A limited number of skis are available, so please let us know if you want to use them.
In the months ahead, the group will be providing several bicycles (including a four-wheel bike), some of which will have electric assist, to help seniors reach a little farther. These too, will have to be pre-booked and it’s expected they will be popular.
The Kootenay Slocan Lions are working with the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society on this project, and the Slocan Valley Rail Trail is the primary location that all equipment will be used on.
To find out more about the project, contact the numbers noted above.
