Christine Whelan FEO, June 8, 2023, VOL. 4 ISSUE 21
It never fails to make me smile when a member of the community connects with me about another member, opening with, this is “a great Fort Erie story”.
Gary Hass shared his Facebook post with me, “Way to go! Age is not a factor for 73-year-old retired Niagara Falls Platoon Chief, who today, again, won the Canadian Single Handball title in Calgary. What a guy! Well done, Ivan Elliot.”
The 2023 Canadian National 4-Wall Handball Championships, Singles was held in Calgary, May 11-14.
It seemed I’d come across a wonderful example of the definition of Seniors’ Month in June playing out, a time to recognize the hard work, time, and achievements seniors have contributed to this world during their lives.
The once Niagara Falls resident, now Fort Erie man, is quite proud of his trophy that reads, Men’s Singles Diamond Masters Championship. He was victorious in the 70+ category.
“I played two games a day each day. These tournaments take more out of you than a regular day of handball.” There is more effort and energy put into a large event, not to mention the emotional pressure, and the travel. He was grateful to see his hotel pillow and go horizontal each night afterward.
What is Handball?
It’s a game in which a ball is hit with the hand against a wall alternately by opposing players. Singles handball is played by two opponents. Doubles handball is played by two teams of partners. Cut-throat involves three participants.
Canadian Handball calls it “a game of speed, reaction, and skill. It requires agility, coordination, determination, endurance, strength, and accuracy.”
Originating in the form of hand tennis played in England and Ireland during the 1800s, handball came before racquetball and squash, being similar but quite different with different rules.
Ivan has been playing handball for about 50 years. “I have played in just about every court around,” mentioning he enjoys the White Oaks court often.
He explained some of the different techniques and tricks that are used in handball, which is a sport that requires both hands to be used on a standardized court that is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long. All six surfaces are used strategically – the four walls, ceiling, and floor.
When talking about using both hands, Ivan commented, “You learn quickly how well your non-dominant hand cooperates and is coordinated.” He added that he is grateful he is a lefty and doesn’t seem to have a problem.
A Balanced Life
After so many years focused on playing the game, it makes sense that Elliot has also taught for many years.
As portrayed by friend Gary above, Ivan Elliot is a well-respected, retired Platoon Chief with the Niagara Falls Fire Department. That journey, for him, began in 1973.
Partner, Rhonda Gletherow, seems to be Ivan’s biggest fan with posts on social media, spreading the good news of his win. Posts of Ivan’s current victory spurred over 50 comments of congratulations, calling him a National Treasure, agreeing that the win was well-deserved, and, “We are all so proud of you.”
Music has been just as big in his life as handball, according to Ivan. Over the years, and with Rhonda, he has played with several bands as a clarinet and sax player.
Ivan and Rhonda have also been a part of the annual Christmas fundraiser held in the parking lot of The Plaice in Fort Erie. A group of friends decided to partner up with Frosti the Christmas Horse to provide horse rides for children as a way to raise resources to provide Community Outreach Erie Program (C.O.P.E.) in Fort Erie containers of milk. Last Christmas, they donated 508 containers.
Part of Ivan’s balanced life is taking time for some downtime, to literally stop and smell the roses — well, the lilacs. One of Ivan and Rhonda’s favourite places is the Centennial Lilac Gardens. “We just went there recently. It’s by the Queenston Lewiston Bridge and the Floral Clock.”
Ivan continues to love playing handball and has no intentions of stopping any time soon. He’s a great role model for a positive attitude of living life. Simply, live life.
