Older athletes compete in Senior Olympics
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By Maria Narciso |
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Published October 03, 2005
Age does not stop
Baytown’s older athletes from competing this week at the 31st annual Senior
Olympics.
The free competition, especially designed for those 50 years old and older,
begins today and ends with an awards luncheon Thursday.
There will be about 400 competitors this year, said Lynne Foley, Lee College
Senior Citizen Program Director. Because this is about 100 less participants
than usual, those who wish to participate may still register on the day of
competition.
Foley, who has helped organize the event the past 16 years, said she enjoyed
watching the athletes compete.
“It reminds us that it doesn’t matter what age you are, you can still be out and
healthy,” she said.
Athletes will be separated into three different age groups: 50 to 59 years old,
60 to 69 years’ old, and 70 years old and up.
Events include bowling, walking, volleyball, horseshoes, ping-pong, tennis and a
fitness competition, among others. A swimming competition was added this year
because a pool was available at Lee College.
There are also less strenuous activities available, such as dominoes, 42, Skip
Boe, checkers and a spelling bee.
Foley said another event to look forward to is the basketball shoot-off between
Representative Wayne Smith, Mayor Calvin Mundinger and Jim Finley Tuesday
morning during opening ceremonies. Finley has won the contest since it was first
introduced to the Senior Olympics three years ago, and Foley said he was
planning to defend his title.
There are also several “hot shot” athletes that participate, including Leonard
Morgan, whom Foley said has participated in the Olympics for about 10 years and
has won several events.
The Senior Olympics will take place at the Barrett Station Community Center, the
Lee College campus, the Highlands Community Center, the J.D. Walker Community
Center and the Baytown Community Center.
First- and second-place winners receive gold and silver medals. All participants
will receive a souvenir T-shirt from Texas Health Spring, who has funded the
Senior Olympics for the past three years. It will also be the sixth year that
the Outback Steakhouse, 5218 Interstate 10, will provide lunch for the awards
ceremony.
Lee College students, including the Student Congress, will judge and assist in
competitions Tuesday. Key Clubs from Robert E. Lee and Ross S. Sterling high
schools and Outback Steakhouse employees will also volunteer their time.
Lee College, Baytown Parks and Recreation and Harris County Precinct Two have
partnered together for the past 31 years to make the Senior Olympics possible.
Harris County Precinct Two Commissioner Sylvia Garcia and their Senior Citizens
Program will help arrange bus transportation. Those who need help with
transportation to the neighboring cities should call 281-452-7598.
For more information on the Greater Baytown Area Senior Olympics, please contact
Lee College Senior Citizen’s Program at 281-425-6416, City of Baytown Parks and
Recreation at 281-420-6594 or East Harris County Precinct Two Senior Citizen’s
Program at 281-452-7598.