Outward Bound course for man aged 78

Press, 16 September 1987, Page 13

Outward Bound course for man aged 78

PA Dunedin A former Mayor of Dunedin, Mr Russell Calvert, believes life is a challenge and next month he will take on the rigours of an Outward Bound course to prove it Mr Calvert, aged 78, who now lies at Arrowtown, will be the oldest participant to date in the history of the course. Starting on October 6, Mr Calvert will be one of 14 people from the Over Sixties movement on a week-long programme of canoeing, absailing, tramping and climbing at Anakiwa, in the Marl-

borough Sounds. During his term as Dunedin’s mayor in the 19605, Mr Calvert was patron of the local Outward Bound organisation and he has maintained a link with the group. Prompted by good reports and a recent television programme on the course, he became interested in participating. He joined the Over Sixties movement, obtained a medical certificate and applied for a place. He says now he is not quite sure what to expect, but rumour has it a dawn dip in the Pacific might

well be on the cards.

“It’s a challenge — life is a challenge. Provided you are fit and healthy, why not go on accepting challenges and live life to the full?”

Mr Calvert believes he is fortunate in that he keeps good health. His main hobby is golf and he is president of the Arrowtown Golf Club.

“The whole point of the Over Sixties movement is to encourage people to get out and do things. So many people give up on life when they retire — that’s not my policy.”