Orest Gulaga and his wife wanted to exercise together at the Senior’s Centre in Oliver. They state that is their preference and it would cost less than other available programs. BUT

The ladies in the Keep Fit classes held Monday, Wednesday and Friday would not hear of it.

Mr. Gulaga attended an annual general meeting November 19th and proposed a motion to make the classes open to all genders. It passed.

Mr. and Mrs. Gulaga then showed for the next available class but that session was cancelled, he says. To say the least Mr. Gulaga is upset and feels very uncomfortable in this situation.

The first motion was reversed at a special meeting held one week later November 26th. Seniors Centre Secretary Irene Covey said the special meeting was advertised and the Gulaga’s were informed.

Gulaga says the organization should represent everyone and could have organized classes for men or for couples rather than stating “you do it”. He states he is not against women having their own classes but he thinks the seniors club is obligated to provide services to everyone. He says he feels very unwelcome.

Centre President Ron Shulhan says the 2nd meeting was necessary because of statements of descrimination and a possible lawsuit. Shulhan said in the first meeting, the motion passed 11 votes to 8 but 20 people didn’t vote being concerned about possible litigation.  At the special meeting 71 members showed up and the decision was reversed unanimously.

Shulhan says the Ladies Keep fit has operated this way for 32 years with about 30 participants each session. The Centre president says Mr. Gulaga was offered the chance of organizing a mixed gender class but that failed to attract much participation.

Mr. Shulhan says no discrimination is intended.