Cree elder returns to competitive volleyball in northern Quebec tournament

A 71-year-old Cree man is getting back into competitive sports, years after he stopped when his wife passed away. 

Robert Metabie, also known as "Robbie", was the oldest player in an invitational volleyball tournament that took place in the northern Cree community of Mistissini, Que., from Dec. 1 to 3. 

"I just wanted to show it to the other people calling themselves elders, that they still could come out and play with young, young people, with the teenagers, just to have fun," said Metabie. 

"That's why I'm [here], just to have fun."

Metabie has been a paramedic driver for over 36 years and is still working part-time. He said he practices volleyball four times a week to help him stay in shape so he can keep helping people. Metabie has been physically active for most of his life by playing hockey, flag football and volleyball. 

"You don't stop having fun when you get old. You get old when you stop having fun."

Metabie said it's the first time he's played in a tournament since his wife, Anna Metabie (née Longchap), passed away in 2019. 

"I used to play tournaments when she was around. After that, I thought to myself, I want to come back and play again. That's what I did," said Metabie. 

Sports helped Metabie stop drinking in 1992 and he's been clean ever since.

"You think you're having fun when you get drunk or taking drugs. And at the end, it's not fun."

Metabie said he wants young people to think about their lives before they start drinking or consuming drugs. He also encourages them to continue playing sports to have fun and stay healthy.

Teammates, opposing players and tournament organizers were in awe that Metabie would move, dive and do game tricks at his age. 

"It was a good, good challenge for me," said Metabie.

M