Wednesday, September 16, 1992 — North Shore News - my owe 15 Es See macs Hollyburn senior takes national tourney Alf Brenner over-70 singles champion in Martini Masters championships A NORTH Vancouver man is proof that golf is not the only game seniors can play well into their retirement. By A.P. NeCredie Sports Reporter Alf Brenner, 73, was recently crowned over-70 singles champion in the Martini Masters Canadian Senior Tennis Championships in Ottawa. The Rideau Tennis and Squash Club and the Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club hosted the championships, attracting over 280 men and women, competing in age categories ranging from over-35 to over-75. The final was a_ three-hour clay-court duel pitting Brenner against his long-time nemesis, Richmond’s Jim Skelton. “He’s been beating me forev- er,” said Brenner of the former Davis Cup player. ‘‘And he almost did again, but somehow | > pulled it out.”’ The Hollyburn club player won the match 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, winning the third set tiebreaker 7-3, Brenner began playing tennis when he was 11 and has par- ticipated in senior competition for the last 20 years. He plays on average four or five times per week at the West Vancouver club all year ’round. - He is also no stranger to inter- national competition. In May, Brenner, along with two other seniors, represented ._ Canada in a Davis-Cup-style elimination tournament in France. During the Labour Day ’. weekend, Hollyburrn. hosted a seniors tournament, with Brenner finishing with a respectable semi- final loss to 65-year-old Dave . Block. “They didn’t have enough en- trants in the over-70’s division, so I had to play with the young guys,”’ said Brenner of his play in the over-65 category. The fall and winter schedule for Brenner will include a Grand Prix. tournament on Mercer Island in Washington state, and five or six other competitions in the northw- estern United States. “GUARANTEED SERVICE” LYNN VALLEY CENTRE 1199 LYNN VALLEY RD. 980-9211 NEWS phato Noll Lucente NORTH VANCOUVER resident Alf Brenner displays excellent form at a recent tennis tournament at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn — Country Club. In August, Brenner won the over-70 singles title at the Martini Masters Senior Canadian Tennis Championships in Ot-- tawa. Special Olympians register for fall programs LABOR DAY’S hard rain and biting winds couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of North Shore Spécial Olympians . QNSSO) attending their annual barbecue and registration at John Lawsen Park. More than 70 people turned out to renew old friendships and reg- ister for fall programs. “We will have about 80 to 90 athletes registered by the end of this week,’? said program coor- dinator May Wilson. ‘‘We still have some spaces in floor hockey, swimming, cross-country and downhill skiing, rhythmic gym- By Roxannne Gregory Contributing Writer nastics and fitness groups.’’ Along with the tournament events, Wilson added that it’s a great opportunity for athletes to meet on a social level. SOCCER BOOTS © Child size 10 to Youth size 6 Last year there were 21 tour- naments held throughout B.C., with the North Shore playing host te three. North Shore special olympians brought home six medals from the B.C. Summer Games in Port Alberni. . Five NSSO athletes participated in the integrated B.C. summer games in Coquitlam, and four alpine skiers represented the North Shore in fast February's B.C. Winter Games. This year, the NSSO is offering a Youth Club for children aged six to 10. The new program will focus on conditioning, strength, coordination, and an introduction of sport-specific skills. . Volunteer drivers, coaches, an a dedicated Executive Committee make the North Shore Special Olympics program one of the best in B.C. People who are interested in program registration can call May Wilson at 985-5089. Interested. volunteers can contact Jane McAllister at 980-2983. HEC YT a Napoli Is