LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Locals ready to battle at this year’s Senior Games
Trending
LEWISTOWN -- It's that time of year when Bob and Norma Stewart of Lewistown catch a case of Olympic fever.
No, not the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. The Stewarts are more focused on the Senior Games, the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging's annual summer event.
"I think they're great, I've been doing them close to 20 years now," said Bob, nicknamed "Stew."
"I like the horseshoes - I throw horseshoes all the time - the first day I like throwing cornhole, mini golf and bowling," he added. "I like a lot of things."
The 37th Annual Senior Games take place from June 12-17. Opening ceremonies, as well as a senior resource expo, will kick off the week on the morning of June 12 at Kishacoquillas Park in Lewistown.
"Senior Games is one of our most fun and engaging events of the year," said Roxanne Garrett, communications coordinator for Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corp. "It's wonderful to see our participants being active, enjoying time outdoors and interacting with each other in the midst of some friendly competition."
Activities reflect all sorts of interests and skill levels with archery, bowling, card games, cornhole, miniature golf and much more.
"Basketball, too - I've played basketball all my life," Bob explained of the hoop events, such as foul and three-point shooting and hotshot contests. "I try to stay active. I enjoy walking, too, because I walk every day. I also like the 50-yard dash."
At the spry age of 84, Bob still works as a PIAA football official. This past year was his 58th year, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
"If they didn't have the games, I'd still be keeping active," Bob said. "I'd be walking everyday and pitching horseshoes." To name a few activities.
Not to be forgotten, Norma also likes to compete. "She has done a lot of the events," Bob said, "horseshoes, cornhole and mini golf."
The Senior Games provide a chance for connecting with other area seniors, getting exercise and engaging in some friendly competition.
Adults age 55 and older are invited to participate in the Senior Games.
Registration forms for the games are available now at MJRSC--The Care Network and each of the local senior centers, Juniata Valley YMCA in Burnham and the Body and Soul Community Center in Strodes Mills.
Participants can sign up for as many of the activities as they want for $10. There is an additional cost for those who want to attend the closing banquet. The deadline to register is Friday.
"You can do as much as you want to do - any event," Bob said. "Plus, they feed you breakfast and lunch and give you a t-shirt. You can't beat that."
Plus, Bob likes to collect the certificates given to the top finishers in each event.
For more information, please visit the organization's office at 25 Rothermel Drive, Yeagertown, or call (717) 242-0315.