Vince Home, 91, battling it out with the boys this morning. Photo: Jasmine Rolfe
9 November 2016
By Jasmine Rolfe
At the age of 91 it seems nothing was stopping indoor rowing competitor, Vince Home, from battling it out with the boys this morning (Wednesday 9 November) at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG).
Despite being legally blind and deaf Vince proved to the crowd that he’s still got it and was particularly proud of himself after finishing with a time of 2.03mins in the 500m race.
Being the only competitor in the 90+ division, Vince’s fiercest competition was himself and while the competitive flame still burns inside the 91-year-old Alexandra Hills local, he says he just wants to stay fit and healthy.
“I had very fierce competition today in my age group,” Vince laughed.
“I think I went fairly well today but I do it because it keeps me alive. It’s as simple as that!”
Vince started rowing four years ago and reminds us all that if he can row at age 91, there really are no excuses to get fit and healthy and to be involved with what he describes as a ‘fantastic sporting event’ – the JPPMG.
“It’s a great sport and the type of exercise you can go as hard as you like or as soft as you like.
“Come along for sure because everybody’s supporting everybody and it’s terrific to see.”
Cheering him on from the crowd was Vince’s wife and fellow JPPMG competitor Beryl Home, 85, who attributes her husband’s health and fitness to staying active.
“It all started when Vince couldn’t see to walk and couldn’t even hear the traffic, so we bought an indoor rower,” Beryl said.
“Then my daughter suggested he come down here to the JPPMG two years ago and he ‘ummed and ahhed’ so I said I’d come down too so we started together.
“We’re a team I suppose.”
Physical fitness is not the only benefit of indoor rowing, says daughter Sue Nesbit, who believes the sport has kept her dad mentally healthy and admits the 91-year-old is still a bit of a practical joker.
Vince’s wife and fellow JPPMG competitor Beryl Home, 85. Photo: Jasmine Rolfe
“It’s inspiring and it’s embarrassing. He’s so much fitter!” Sue laughed.
“He’s very competitive but he just wants to stay fit and healthy which is really good for all of us in his family.
“He’s a very cheeky boy and he’s never been any different.
The 10th biennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games is being held 5 – 13 November 2016 on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The event showcases competition in 43 sports and is hosting 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.
