Athletic area seniors proved Friday morning that age is but a
number.
Around 170 participants from Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter
counties turned out for the 2007 Four County Senior Games held at
the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
“It was a little warm, but I think everyone did OK,” said
Director of Potter County Human Services Mark Benson, who has
served as chairman for the event for 20 years now.
“They seem to be having a good time,” said Four County Senior
Games board member Bill Orzechowski, who oversaw the frisbee toss
event.
“There were some excellent throwers,” he said, “but I always
tell them they’re all winners.”
He noted Bill Burlingame of Cameron County was especially
impressive in the nearby softball toss.
“They’re really here for the fun though,” Orzechowski said.
“I did the walk, softball toss, and frisbee toss,” Dale Ransom
said. “Absolutely a good time.”
Added veteran participant Edie Tweedie with a laugh: “I did a
whole bunch of events. If I wasn’t here, I’d be cleaning.”
She waited and watched a wheelchair-bound man roll a real
bowling ball toward actual pins on a makeshift alley in the tennis
courts, noting she was waiting to compete in a playoff for both the
bowling and boche ball events.
“Last year, I got seven ribbons; this year, I’ll be lucky to get
one,” Tweedie said.
Other activities included a one-mile walk, running contests,
horseshoes, a wheelchair obstacle race, basketball, bean bag
tossing, croquet, darts, putting and table pool. Youth volunteers
aided the planning committee in running the events.
Participants were split into six categories: men ages 55 to 67,
68 to 77 and 78 and over, and women’s groups of the same age
brackets.
At the opening ceremonies, a letter was read from Catherine
Baker Knoll, lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, in which she praised the event and the
participants.
Following the games, a luncheon was held where top-ranking
competitors were recognized.
“We give out ribbons and awards in each group,” Benson said.
Benson added that most of the seniors stick around for some
afternoon bingo and cards following the festivities.
The popular event started to be held at Pitt-Bradford in 1983
and has only missed one year since, due to building construction,
according to Benson.
“I’d like to thank all the committee members and sponsors” for
their help, he said.
