After a short break , two new sessions began : ‘ Keep Calm and Carry On : Breathing Relaxation and Energy ’ by Tammy Wieliczko , a yoga instructor and massage therapist , and Karen Burgess with ‘ South Peace Regional Archives and Your Story ’ who advised attendees to be cognizant of historically important documents that local archives can preserve .

LORNA MCILROY

Retired Teachers ’ Association ( NWARTA ) branch member , has amassed a huge number of medals for swimming . In 2015 at the Alberta Masters Provincial Championships held in Grande Prairie , she captured thirteen gold medals , winning nine for individual races and four in relay races .

In April of this year , Hopkins won five gold medals at the Alberta Masters Provincial Championships and left shortly afterwards for the World Masters Games in Auckland , New Zealand , her third World Masters Games . The 2005 Games in Edmonton were particularly rewarding for Hopkins as she competed there with her father from the USA .

Hopkins swam in the 2016 Barbados Open Water Festival and finished second overall out of 320 swimmers . Her only other open water experience had been at Sylvan Lake .

Most recently , Hopkins won a gold medal at the Alberta 55 Plus Provincial Games held in Calgary in August of this year .

The freestyle and backstroke are now her strongest events for the 50-metre , 100-metre and 200-metre distances . A rotator cuff injury caused her to drop the butterfly , and a knee injury has slowed her down on the breast stroke .

Hopkins began competing in the six and under age group in her native California and now

The day ended with door prizes and evaluation forms .

NWARTA ’ s new president Joan Godbout is helping to plan the fourth annual ‘ New Frontiers ’ conference to be held May 14 , 2018 , at a local hotel . We are excited to be planning yet another valuable conference for the increasing number of NWARTA members , their partners , friends and seniors of the community . �

competes locally , nationally and internationally in the 65 to 69 age group . However , she stresses that several Masters swimmers didn ’ t even learn how to swim until they were seniors and they have been successful despite of their

Mary Helen Hopkins late starts . There is no upper age limit in being allowed to compete . Her personal hero is Jane Asher of England who is 86 years old , holds twenty-three world records and shows no signs of slowing down , even though she has undergone bilateral hip replacements .

Hopkins finds that swimming is an excellent way to maintain her physical health . The water is her friend , holding her up and relieving pressure on her sore body parts ( of which she admits there are more these days !). Swimming also contributes to her social and emotional health . It is an important part of her identity in retirement , a good use of her time and a great way to meet inspiring people . She makes many good friends at the various games where she manages to incorporate additional touring and holidaying . Hopkins swims regularly in Grande Prairie with the Eastlink Centre ’ s Masters Swim Club , affectionately known as the Fast Swimming Fossils ! � news & views WINTER 2017 | 19