Up to the challenge

Chuck Turgeon, 71, expects to lead his team of seniors to victory in a fitness challenge of senior’s residences. Last week, the Prince George Chateau resident was out in freshly fallen snow on his daily cross-country ski trek to prepare for the 2006 Olympic Challenge. The event, inspired by the XX Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, runs from February 1 to 28.
Turgeon is modest about his abilities as a skier. But he hopes his daily fitness regime will inspire other seniors. “I do about four hours of walking each day. Cross country skiing is very good for calorie burning and the cardio vascular system. I’m probably the only one here who prays for snow,” he laughed. “It’s nice when the sun is out and minus five to 15 is ideal. But don’t make me out to be a great skier.”
Turgeon was a keen member of the Caledonia Ski Club for about 10 years.
In high school, the ski enthusiast was active and athletic. “I took part in baseball, hockey and curling. And I ran quite a bit,” he said. Now in his senior years, Turgeon refuses to let physical problems that have crept up with age slow him down.
“I’ve got ostioarthritis now and it gives me some soreness and back trouble. I have problems with my hip and neck. But the doctor told me to do daily exercises and that is what I’m doing.”
Turgeon has been counting the days to get on his skies again.
“Chuck was so happy when we finally had snow,” said the Chateau’s activities director Carla Stoltz. “And he’s certainly setting a good example for the other residents,” added regional support staffer Margaret Norman.
Stolz thinks the Chateau has a good chance of coming out on top.
“I believe we can win the Olympics Challenge because I think people in the north are more geared to regular outdoor exercise. We’re competing with 300 other [Holiday Retirement Corp] seniors’ residents so it’ll be interesting.”
Opening ceremonies get underway on Wednesday, February 1.