Sisters sportsman succeeds in tourney

Bill Boyer displays his winnings. Photo by Conrad Weiler

Sisters badminton player Bill Boyer competed in the World Masters Games held in Melbourne, Australia, earlier this month.

Boyer came home with silver medals in singles and doubles competition for 70-80- year-old players. He also had a bronze medal for a team game with New Zealanders.

Some 25,000 people from around the world attended the various sporting events at the games and Boyer was among the 1,200 badminton players of various ages who participated. Over two dozen sports were featured at the games, from archery to weightlifting.

"Badminton is the second most popular game in the world after soccer," Boyer said.

He uses a feather-light, high-tech titanium badminton racquet in competition.

The 78-year-old player enjoyed his visit to Melbourne and found it a most livable city.

"Melbourne can easily handle these large sporting events and the facilities are among the best in the world," he said. "Masters Games participants were given a free transit pass to easily move about the city of 3-1/2 million people."

Bill found the city's outstanding attractions included the fine transportation system, museums, zoo and 25 percent of city land devoted to parks.

Boyer moved to Central Oregon 20 years ago after teaching at the University of Hawaii. He is Professor Emeritus in Philosophy of Education.

Locally, Bill has been part of the badminton group that plays at the Bend Athletic Club. Contact him at 548-6544 for more information.

Background information about the World Masters Games is available at www.2002worldmasters.org. The next World Masters Games are scheduled for 2005 in Edmonton, Alberta.