More than 100 seniors from across West Virginia gathered Tuesday for the opening ceremonies of the Mineral County Senior Olympics.
Over the course of their four day stay in the Olympic Village at Potomac State College, the seniors will compete in a variety of events ranging from a spelling bee and bingo to frisbee toss and horse shoes.
“It’s meeting new people, having fun and eating good food,” said Bea Sell of Albright, W.Va. in Preston County, who is competing in her fourth Senior Olympics.
“And it’s a break from home,” echoed Sell’s niece, Brenda Turner of Kingwood, competing in her first Senior Olympics.
This is the seventh year for the Mineral County games, which are organized by the county’s Office on Aging and Family Services, under the direction of Scott Mallery.
“It takes a lot of effort from our staff, and the volunteers who help,” said Mallery, who counts among his most energetic volunteers daughters Nicole, 13, and Addy, 10.
Following welcoming remarks in Church-McKee Art Center, the 103 athletes lined up for the Olympic torch walk, where participants marched behind their county banners. Leading the parade was last year’s grand champion, Cy Dille of Weston in Lewis County.
“I’m 88 years old and I’m just tickled to death to be here,” said Dille. “It’s a great deal of fun.”
Seniors compete in as many events as they like, with trophies and medals awarded to the winners. Last year Dille signed up for 15 events, a mark he hopes to match this time as well.
“Football toss, softball, basketball, billiards,” he said. “My favorite is Frisbee.”
After Tuesday’s parade, the competition began in the arts center with the spelling bee, followed by bingo. Today’s competition gets under way this morning at 8:30 with track and field events on Stayman Field, including hose shoes, 40-yard dash, fish casting, archery, Frisbee and football toss. At 1 p.m., some of the seniors will head back indoors for scrabble and poker at University Place, while others will compete in Bocce. Another full slate of events will be held Thursday, including billiards, ping pong, and golf putting, with the awards ceremony slated for noon Friday.
As much as the athletic competition, the seniors also enjoy the socialization of the Mineral County Senior Olympics. Many of the athletes are staying on campus in student dorms, and with evenings free they play games and meet with competitors from other parts of the state.
Sell and Turner of Preston County each have their own room with a refrigerator and microwave, and share a bathroom.
“I never went to college, but it makes you feel young to be in the dorms,” said Turner. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
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More than 100 seniors from across West Virginia gathered Tuesday for the opening ceremonies of the Mineral County Senior Olympics.
Over the course of their four day stay in the Olympic Village at Potomac State College, the seniors will compete in a variety of events ranging from a spelling bee and bingo to frisbee toss and horse shoes.
“It’s meeting new people, having fun and eating good food,” said Bea Sell of Albright, W.Va. in Preston County, who is competing in her fourth Senior Olympics.
“And it’s a break from home,” echoed Sell’s niece, Brenda Turner of Kingwood, competing in her first Senior Olympics.
This is the seventh year for the Mineral County games, which are organized by the county’s Office on Aging and Family Services, under the direction of Scott Mallery.
“It takes a lot of effort from our staff, and the volunteers who help,” said Mallery, who counts among his most energetic volunteers daughters Nicole, 13, and Addy, 10.
Following welcoming remarks in Church-McKee Art Center, the 103 athletes lined up for the Olympic torch walk, where participants marched behind their county banners. Leading the parade was last year’s grand champion, Cy Dille of Weston in Lewis County.
“I’m 88 years old and I’m just tickled to death to be here,” said Dille. “It’s a great deal of fun.”
Seniors compete in as many events as they like, with trophies and medals awarded to the winners. Last year Dille signed up for 15 events, a mark he hopes to match this time as well.
“Football toss, softball, basketball, billiards,” he said. “My favorite is Frisbee.”
After Tuesday’s parade, the competition began in the arts center with the spelling bee, followed by bingo. Today’s competition gets under way this morning at 8:30 with track and field events on Stayman Field, including hose shoes, 40-yard dash, fish casting, archery, Frisbee and football toss. At 1 p.m., some of the seniors will head back indoors for scrabble and poker at University Place, while others will compete in Bocce. Another full slate of events will be held Thursday, including billiards, ping pong, and golf putting, with the awards ceremony slated for noon Friday.
As much as the athletic competition, the seniors also enjoy the socialization of the Mineral County Senior Olympics. Many of the athletes are staying on campus in student dorms, and with evenings free they play games and meet with competitors from other parts of the state.
Sell and Turner of Preston County each have their own room with a refrigerator and microwave, and share a bathroom.
“I never went to college, but it makes you feel young to be in the dorms,” said Turner. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
