A Maple Ridge senior brought home numerous medals from the Nanaimo 2025 55-plus BC Games, which were held at the Vancouver Island city from Sept. 9 to 13.

One of the top local athletes from Maple Ridge was again Miriam Schanofski, who is still winning in the pool at the age of 86. She took eight medals, including two bronze in relay events, a silver in freestyle, and golds in 25m butterfly, 50m fly, 100m individual medley, 200m IM, and 100m backstroke.

Schanofski has been attending the Games for decades, and she loves them for both the competition, and the dance and social events.

"It was great - they always treat us very well," she said. "I always enjoy it. The Games are like a family reunion. I'm 86, and I've been going for more than 20 years."

She said training for the competition keeps her moving and exercising.

The super senior is planning to attend again next year, when she is 87. There are other women to inspire her, as Schnofski is not the most senior competitor - there was a competitive swimmer who was 101 in Nanaimo.

The multi-sport games brings athletes from across the province together for track and field, swimming, archery, paddling events, pickleball, hockey and many more events.

There were 21 sports, more than 2,700 participants, and 1,100 volunteers who made it all happen.

"The 55-Plus B.C. Games are a symbol of what it means to be active in mind and body, and there will be the most tremendous competition this week," said games committee president Diana Johnstone at the opening ceremony. "Enjoy every minute, play your best, make new friends and be sure to try one of our famous Nanaimo bars."

Next year's games will be in Kamloops on Sept. 8-12. For information, see 55plusbcgames.org