By Joe Koza
March 29, 2010

My road to the World Masters Indoor Athletic Championships began one night last summer in Saskatoon when former Olympian athlete, coach and Olympic official, Mr. Bob Adams, asked me if I would consider competing for Canada in this world event to be held on Mar. 1-6 in Kamloops, B.C.

Competitions feature athletes aged 35 and over that compete in five-years age groups. This is the first time it has ever been held in North America. The last event was held in France in 2008.

First, I must hold a 2010 Canadian Masters Athletic Assoc. membership and a Sask. Athletics Assoc. membership. Then, applications to compete in events along with $25 per event fees, performance data, physical data, drug testing verification and fees for other requirements are sent to Toronto, Ont.
Thereupon acceptance of my standing, I become part of Canada's team to represent my country and team leaders are assigned from there.
I was then sent notification of acceptance and given schedules of anticipated dates of events and lists of names of people from around the world who will be participating. Some of the accomplishments of my competitors was awesome to say the least. As I was the oldest (74) in my age group, 70 to 74, this was somewhat daunting.

Driving by car, Marilyn and I left home the morning of Feb. 26. Dense fog, heavy snow conditions and minus 22 degrees Celsius covered most of our travel from Imperial to Lloydminster. We spent Friday night in Edmonton with our son and daughter and family, Kyle, Ginger, Gabrielle and Walker Koza. They would all join us in Kamloops later in the week to watch competitions.

Leaving early on Feb. 27, we had lunch in beautiful Jasper Lodge. The mountains were starting to surround us and snowmobiles and skiers were prominent amongst the traffic. Winding curves and spectacular views were to greet us for the next several hours.

Arriving in Kamloops in late afternoon, the temperature had warmed to plus eight degrees and snow was virtually non-existent. Located in a wide valley where the two Thompson Rivers meet, the area is almost desert-like. The hills and mountainous structures appearing like huge sand structures with sparse vegetation. This city of 100,000 is spread over a vast area and rises from the edge of the Thompson River, plateau by plateau, to heights that offer spectacular views.
High up on one of these plateaus, sits the beautiful Thompson River University where the games are to be held. The outdoor track offers artificial turf in its midst and standing in its centre, you can literally drink in the spectacular view of blue-green mountains, winding rivers, giant, eroded sand structures and sprawling city. "What a place to play football", Kyle was to exclaim later. A night-time view was equally exhilarating.

We then made our way to the event centre, located on university grounds, where I was issued participation cards for each of the eight events that I was entered in. I would sign each card 24 hours before an event, but no more than 48 hours before an event, and give each one to the event organizer committee. Picture I.D. was required to obtain these.

At that point, late Saturday evening, we again set off for Salmon Arm (one-hour drive) where we would stay with Linda and Gary Goodridge for the next threenights. Gary was a former R.C.M.P. officer at Imperial.

Feb. 28 it was back to Kamloops for the official opening at 5:30 p.m. We would miss the closing ceremonies of the Olympics as it was at the same time. At the World Masters opening, there were more than 1,400 athletes from 61 different countries. Each country carried their won flag and wore their country's official colors and uniform.

Following the opening it was back to Salmon Arm, a trip we were to make several times. Salmon Arm is a sportsmen's paradise where people spend weeks on houseboats fishing, relaxing and generally enjoying their surroundings of beautiful mountains and lakes. The Shuswap Lake area is home to almost every imaginable sport and entertainment you might wish for and in a natural setting that offers pleasure in abundance.

The morning of March 1, I was to report to the fieldhouse before events where my I.D. card, which we wore at all times, was checked. Then my singlet (a shirt with my competition number on front and back) was checked and the spikes I would wear were measured for length and size.

I was given a time to report back to the holding area, usually 20 to 30 minutes before event time. We could not leave from there until escorted in single file by an official to the event location. Rules and regulations were explained to us and strictly adhered to. My toe touched the outer ring of the discus throwing circle and cost me my best throw and a silver medal. We would go through this same routine before every event and after every event, escorted back to the holding area where we picked up our belongings.

For me this was almost twice every day for the next six days as prelims were held in some events.

The indoor track was just as impressive, located right beside the outdoor track. Throwing events were held outside, while all short distance races were held inside. The longer distance races were held in various locations throughout the city.

Although I was disappointed with my performance, I did place: fourth in javelin, discus and high jump; sixth in triple jump and 200 meters; and tenth in 60 meters, 60 meter hurdles and long jump. My personal best would have given me: silver in javelin, discus and triple jump and bronze in high jump and long jump.
It was an exhausting week and the competition was tough. But, all in all, it was a fun time. Everyone was in great spirits. Even one of my competitors from Australia who lost his track shoes and shorts, was able to borrow from a U.S. competitor. Another asked me if I would be competing in the Canadian National in Toronto, as he intended to fly from Europe to Virginia to visit his son, then would slip up to Toronto to participate.

A huge bouquet to all the 500 volunteers at Kamloops, a job well done.

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