Over the last two weeks, nearly 520 Orange County senior citizens, 55 and older, participated in the annual Senior Games.
The two-week event, in its 32nd year, is presented by the Orange County Department of Parks and the county’s Office for the Aging.
“The seniors love it,” said games chairman Tom Quinlisk “They would not be happy people if we didn’t do them anymore. It gets them active. A lot of these seniors don’t do much during the year, but they come to this thing. Once people get involved in the games, I see them every year. Obviously we’re doing something right. Some have been playing in the games almost all 32 years.”
The opening ceremony was held on Sept. 28 at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Campbell Hall. United States Military Academy Band vocalist Army Master Sergeant MaryKay Messenger sang the National Anthem and “God Bless America.” Catherine Townsend Gorton, 8, sang “Neverland” from the popular childhood musical “Peter Pan.”
The games offer activities and events, for those who are still athletic as well as those who have trouble moving around.
Athletic competitions include track and field like events where seniors compete for first, second, and third place medals. For these competitive events, the participants are broken up into age groups: 55-50, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85+.
Other activities include a treasure hunt at Woodbury Common, a tour of Storm King Art Center, a scavenger hunt in Museum Village, bingo, bocce and shuffleboard tournaments, miniature golf, hiking, bowling, horseback riding, and a golf tournament at Stony Ford.
For a nominal fee, seniors can choose from a long list of events. A few activities require an additional cost such as bowling, the golf tournament, and a movie at Downing Film Center. Seniors receive a T-Shirt when they pay their application fee. Shop Rite, the games’ main sponsor, provides food.
The games concluded this week at Thomas Bull Memorial Park.
For additional information or to register for next year’s event, call Quinlisk at 845-457-4910 or visit orangecountynyparks.com. The games are held every September.
