Curling has been a part of Merv Jamieson’s life for more than 50 years, picking up the sport in 1971, in Naseby during the winter.
Curling was a way of life, he said.
On Monday the 85-year-old took part for the 17th time in the New Zealand Masters Games in Dunedin.
Winning medals was not really the objective of the Games, he said.
Most players went to enjoy the competition and the companionship of other competitors.
‘‘It’s friendly, but it’s serious.’’
One of the things that keeps him coming back to the Games is the ability to play teams from Canterbury and Gore, whom he does not often get to face in competitions.
The Games had 24 teams playing in one of three sections, playing seven games each, and each section having the same number of medals, he said.
Mr Jamieson also competes in curling competitions during the winter. Despite the similarities he found the atmosphere at the Masters Games to be friendlier, he said.
Over the years, Mr Jamieson has won two gold and two silver medals. While winning a medal this year would be a bonus, what was more important to him was to go and enjoy the game and play to the best of his ability, he said.
As long as he is still kicking, he intends to keep playing the sport he loves, but that was in the lap of the gods, he said.
