Eagle Bay Firefighter Gearing Up for 55+ Games
By Jo Boxwell
Nigel Collett at the Peach Classic Penticton Triathlon, July 2024
(photo credit Margaret McCormick)
A captain with the Eagle Bay Volunteer Fire Department will be among the approximately 3,000 participants attending the Salmon Arm 2024 55+ BC Games this month. Nigel Collett will be joining the triathlon athletes hoping to take home a medal for the swimming, cycling and running race taking place at Old Town Road and Shuswap Lake in Sicamous.
Keeping Active
The 55+ BC Games promotes physical activity and social engagement for British Columbians aged 55 and above. The 2024 games will feature 20 diverse sports including mountain bike racing, archery, tennis, hockey and five pin bowling. When it comes to being physically active later in life, Nigel says the best way to begin is, “having a goal in mind and working back from there,” to ensure your goal is attainable. It’s also important not to take on too much. “You have to manage expectations and maybe it’s just micro steps. Maybe it’s just a little bit each day,” he explains.
Nigel moved to the Shuswap in 2018 with his wife, Margaret McCormick, as part of their retirement plan. Their Eagle Bay location offers an ideal training ground for the sports he enjoys, with lakefront access a few steps away and nearby trail systems. The only downside is the winters, but when it gets too cold, he brings his exercise routine indoors.
Originally from the UK, Nigel is no stranger to competitive sports. He has participated in numerous events since his youth, including the London Marathon (three times) and Ironman Canada, as well as various triathlons and multi-day adventure races. Now that he is semi-retired, he is learning to adjust his goals. He says there are some benefits to setting a different pace: “I used to almost push myself too far because I was highly competitive. The change in the last five years has been that I’m actually now enjoying taking part in these events.”
Nigel isn’t slowing down much yet. This will be his second triathlon of 2024 after competing in the Peach Classic Penticton Triathlon in July.
Nigel Collett with Eagle Bay Fire Department (Photo credit Margaret McCormick)
Supporting the Community
Nigel and his wife Margaret are big believers in doing their part to support the community. They run a passion project called Taste of the Shuswap where they promote local food experiences on Instagram, Facebook and through their website (tasteoftheshuswap.com). “We tell stories, we eat and drink, and people wonder why we’re not 300 pounds. That’s because we work out,” Nigel jokes, adding that they have met many wonderful people along the way. Nigel and Margaret will be busy supporting the Shuswap Brewers Festival (September 14 at Northyards Cider Co.) that coincides with the 55+ BC Games. The festival will showcase local craft beer, cider and spirits.
Members of Eagle Bay Volunteer Fire Department have been very supportive of Nigel as he prepares for the games. Nigel appreciates being around “20 like-minded individuals who are looking to give back to the community,” noting that volunteer fire departments are always looking for new recruits and it can be a great way to stay physically active.
The Salmon Arm 2024 55+ BC Games will take place September 10 – 14. More information about the games can be found online at 55plusbcgames.org.
