Competitors never too old for Senior Games

By Pat Jenkins

They come for the competition and the smiles.

That describes what contestants and spectators will see throughout July as the Washington State Senior Games brings thousands of older athletes together for competition, camaraderie and just plain fun.

Nearly 2,000 men and women over the age of 50 – some of them way past that mark – participate every year. They hail from throughout the Pacific Northwest and as far away as Canada and California.

This year, the events include archery, basketball, badminton, bowling, cowboy action shooting, cycling, dance, golf, disc golf (played with a Frisbee), pickleball, power walking, race walking, racquetball, 5k and 10 runs, rock climbing, shuffleboard, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, table tennis, track and field, trap shooting, triathlon and volleyball.

South Pierce County-area competitors who made their presence known last year included Kevin Davis of Roy, who won the men's singles title in bowling among 55-59-year-olds and tamed with Michael Compton of Centralia to claim the 55-plus crown in doubles. In men's golf, Steve McMains of Eatonville finished third in the 50-to-54 category and Gary Grazzini of Spanaway finished fourth in the 60-64 division. And in the women's triathlon, Peggy Field of Eatonville placed 10th in the 55-59 division and Ann Dodge of Graham was fifth in the 60-64 group.

Many venues for competition, all in the Olympia-Thurston County area, have changed locations this year. There’s still time to sign up to participate. Registrations are being accepted through July 11 The fee is $33, plus $9 per each sport a competitor enters. More information is available at www.washingtonstateseniorgames.com and 360-413-0148.

According to Senior Games organizers, the athletes that come back year after year––some in their 90s––report that they most enjoy competing against themselves. They don’t care about gold, silver or bronze medals or how they look in a pair of running shorts. The Games are about fun, first and foremost.

The Washington State Senior Games is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to camaraderie through athletic competition and the Olympic-style spirit. The Games encourage a healthy lifestyle and promote positive, healthful activities for the participants, their families and the communities where they live, officials said.

In addition to Washington, competitors typically come from Oregon, Canada, Idaho and California, according to Games organizers.

“Anyone over 50 should get involved in the Games,” said a men’s basketball participant from last year.

Another competitor, writing anonymously, said, "When I first participated in the Senior Games nine years ago, I laughingly said I was not an athlete so all I could do was billiards and bowling. I was a woeful example of an athlete. I was overweight and had little conditioning or stamina. In fact, I hadn't touched a bowling ball for 40 years!

"But I learned the rules of tournament play and found the courage to get out and play. Within no time at all, I was able to earn my first medal as a Senior Games athlete.

"More important than medals or any particular accomplishment has been my change in belief and attitude. I now look forward to physical challenges and take joy in being fit enough to try new things."