Submitted  by Donna Donald in cooperation with Rena Grant and daughter Linda Hopkinson

Editor's note:  Rena Grant recently became a USAPA Ambassador in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the Atlantic South Region.

 

Rena Grant was born in Tabor City, on November 16, 1923.  Yes, as your head figures it out, Rena turned 86 this year.  If you were to follow her around for a week, you would never believe that chronological age is true.  So many people say she is an inspiration now, but that was also true when she was 65, 45, 25, etc. That's because of all that she does to help people in so many ways.

Rena was raised on a farm, one of 7 girls who helped her Daddy get all the work done.  Life was hard, but she never complained and I, for one, believe it has a lot to do with who she is today.  Rena moved to Pennsylvania to work in a defense plant during World War II.  It's there that she met her beloved husband, Richard.  They made their home there and had 2 children, Gary and Linda.  Rena taught Physical Education for 25 years and proudly says she was a "self-taught" Phys. Ed. Teacher.  She also coached about every sport they had in the schools.

After retiring, Rena started a volleyball program for seniors and it grew to 8 teams.  She also got the seniors involved in track and field -  throwing discus and shot put; playing softball and basketball.  They entered the Senior National Competitions for many years to follow.  They had some wins and some losses, but always had  fun and formed lasting friendships.

Rena's dear husband died in 1993 with cancer. She moved to Myrtle Beach, SC in 1996 along with her daughter, Linda and family.  That year (she was already 73, remember) Rena started to work part time for Plantation Resort Health and Swim Club.  After 16 years, she's still working there, 2 days per week, 7AM to 3PM. She taught line dancing for several years and is currently a substitute leader for some of the other classes there.

When she first came to Myrtle Beach, Rena started a volleyball program with a few seniors. That program has grown  and is still going strong.  Rena also runs a tennis program for seniors from January through May.  The program brings in 20 to 35 locals and "snowbirds" who absolutely love the program, the exercise and the friendships formed.

After trying for the past 10 years, she finally got pickleball started.  Pickleball is played 3 days per week at Crabtree Gym with great attendance; all the seniors love it.  I know it makes Rena extremely happy to watch the people play and have so much fun!  Did I say watch?  On no, Rena plays everything too.  She plays 2 days pickleball, 2 days tennis and 2 days volleyball.

Rena had a bout with colon cancer in 2008, but fortunately, it had not spread.  She had surgery to remove it. She was ecstatic when she didn't have to have radiation or chemotherapy.  Rena never stops counting her blessings.

But what has she done for pickleball lately? She's got several "irons in the fire".  She's already working her contacts to get pickleball into the South Carolina State Senior Games in May of 2010, she has started presentations to the schools to get pickleball introduced into their phys ed programs and will introduce pickleball as a new activity into "Choose to Lose", a weight loss and healthy lifestyle program running at the Pepper Geddings Recreation Center.  She says "I'm really looking forward to working with Rona and Frank Gray (pickleball players from New York) and teaching new people how much fun and what great exercise pickleball can be."

Rena is amazing to do the all things she does! So many people say she is an inspiration.  Her goal when she came south was to get seniors up off the couch. I'd say she has exceeded her goal and set a model of excellence for all of us!

 

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