You’re Never too Old to Go for Gold
Author: Mary Keating
For: Portneuf Regional Medical Center, Health Visions Magazine
Date: Fall 2007
508 words (including sidebars)
Pursuit of gold takes commitment and determination. With personal goals and high expectations, over 850 seniors came together this past August for the Southeast Idaho Senior Games. The participants proved, no one is ever too old to go for gold
As the final torch runner approached the torch, the flame circled the rim, applause echoed through O.K. Ward Park as the official start of the 5th annual Southeast Idaho Senior Games were underway.
The Southeast Idaho Senior Games is committed to providing adults, age 50 and better, with an opportunity and motivation to participate at local, state and national events that promote physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
Each year, participation and sponsorship has grown.
“Our tremendous growth has been the result of the dedication and commitment of our Board, our founders, Jody and Mark Olson, our volunteers, and the support of the community through sponsorship, and of course to the dedicated athletes,” said Jerry Sepich, board chairman.
PMC, the founding sponsor, has been a major sponsor of the event for each of the five years.
“We believe in the power of preventative care and a healthy lifestyle and we feel privileged to share in the accomplishments of those who participate in this worthwhile event, says Pat Hermanson, CEO of PMC.
Many competitors traveled great distances to attend the Southeast Idaho Senior Games. This year, participants came from Australia, Thailand, Canada and throughout the US.
“There is such camaraderie,” said Jody Olson, Games Coordinator. “It is fun to see new faces and get reacquainted with old friends. It is truly the spirit of the event.”
For more information on the games, call 233-2034 or visit www.seidahoseniorgames.org.
SIDEBAR
Mission Statement:
The Southeast Idaho Senior Games is committed to providing adults, age 50 and better, with an opportunity and motivation to participate at Local, State and National games in events that promote physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
Goals:
- To provide participants 50 years of age and better with opportunities for competition, fun and camaraderie at state levels, thereby contributing to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals.
- To improve and maintain all aspects of positive health in older adults throughout all states by encouraging the growth of Northwest Area network of Senior Games organizations.
- To provide opportunities for the social and competitive interaction of participants, families, volunteers and spectators through the games.
- To emphasize and actively promote the importance of regular exercise and constructive activity at any age.
- To provide an athletic, recreational and competitive experience for older adults at the Southeast Idaho Senior Games.
- To celebrate the vitality of life through example and to create an awareness of opportunities that exist for joyful and active lifestyles.
Sidebar
Athletes Oath
As a Senior Athlete,
I pledge myself to the spirit of the Games.
The spirit of achievement
That I may reach my goals;
The spirit of competition
That I may win or lose with pride and honor;
The spirit of friendship
That I may be a true friend to those around me.