Ali Butcher-Foster from Mooloolaba in Queensland has been training for the past two years to achieve her goal of winning a medal in beach volleyball at this year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games (November 3 -11) on the Gold Coast.
The 55-year-old and her playing partner Janet Brennan practise four days a week focusing on improving their skills and fulfilling their sporting passions.
“We played at the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney and the 2010 Pan Pacific Masters Games and even though they were challenging we really enjoyed ourselves,” said Ali.
“We are inwardly competitive and we aim to use what we learn each week playing at our club and apply it to our Pan Pacs preparation.
“The Pan Pacs are a continuation of our interest in sporting competitions and we use it as a forward goal and something to work towards.”
Ali first began playing volleyball in the late 1970’s and unexpectedly teamed up with Janet at her local volleyball club two weeks before the 2009 World Masters.
“I first started playing volleyball when my colleague, who was a New Zealand volleyball representative, and I became administrators of the Pro Circuit in 1975 at Mt Maunganui,” said Ali.
“It was a competition that attracted a lot of top players and as administrators we thought if we were running the event we should also have a try at playing. I’ve been playing ever since.
“It was two weeks before the World Masters in Sydney and I didn’t have a partner to play with. One day I asked Janet, who played at the same club, if she would join me even though it was such short notice and to my surprise she said yes.
“I couldn’t believe the person I was to play with was right next to me the whole time.”
Despite dealing with tough conditions at the World Masters Games and playing against a younger field at the Pan Pacs the two have learnt new skills and are confident they will take home a medal this year.
“Janet and I are different people but it’s the sport that brings us together. We are over 55 and we will never be Olympians but we are always aiming to play better as individuals and as a team,” said Ali.
“At the World Masters Games, we weren’t used to the onshore winds and heat because we were used to playing at night so it took us a couple of days to adjust and by then it was too late.
“We’ve got a specific goal and we know we can build on the skills we have. We have the experience and teamplay and we are expecting to do well.
“We want to come out of it as deserved players after all the effort and sacrifices.”
Not only are the duo passionate about beach volleyball but they also love the atmosphere of the Pan Pacs and are excited to meet new people.
“We love the social interaction of the Games and the fact that we can hang out with other like minded people is fantastic,” said Ali.
“It’s really exciting to know that we can still compete, travel and socialise with others. It’s all about companionships and comradery and it’s truly a special part of our lives.
“We are feeling really prepared for the Games and as long as our bodies hold up I don’t see why we won’t be able to play for many more years.”
The pair have their sights set on the 2013 World Masters Games in Italy and Ali hopes to compete in swimming as well.
The new scheme was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not important for us.
