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May proved not only a prime time for exceptional weather, but for athletes as well.
The 32nd Annual Lebanon County Senior Games kicked off Wednesday, May 17, and invited county residents over age 50 to participate in sporting events held across various locations. Coordinated by the Lebanon YMCA, the games ended at noon on Wednesday, May 24.
During this week, residents could engage in an unlimited number of sports, including table tennis, miniature golf, shuffleboard, bowling, and more. This year’s Senior Games welcomed 75 participants with activities suited for all athletic interests and abilities.
Brian Wolfe, facility director from the Lebanon YMCA, noted the turnout of many competitive teams this year, which added an element of excitement to the games.
In the spirit of years past, mini golf remained a popular event. Pickleball also generated interest and quickly became a favorite.
According to Wolfe, the Senior Games “provide a platform for new experiences that can improve seniors’ quality of life.”
Some attendees, like Roberta “Cookie” Haag from south Lebanon, are introduced to new sports through the events.
“[The] first time I participated in the senior games was six years ago, when I only entered the 1.5-mile walk,” Haag said.
With each successive year, Haag found herself competing in more events, including a few she had never heard of.
The Senior Games introduced her to pickleball nearly three years ago.
“I was encouraged to stay and play, which I did, even though I had no clue what pickleball was all about,” Haag said. “After that day, I found myself a new favorite sport and have been playing anywhere from three to five days a week.”
Now, in 2017, Haag is a seasoned competitor in several events, including the basketball free throw, softball toss, pingpong, bocce ball, and, of course, pickleball.
Though the skies tend to dictate how the outdoor events play out, this year’s weather cooperated enough to enable events to proceed as scheduled.
On May 24, the Senior Games concluded with a closing ceremony.
“As with every year, everyone had a great time,” Wolfe said. “This year’s games flew by, and many of the seniors wanted the games to continue for a few more days.”
Wolfe attributes the success of the Senior Games not only to the levels of athlete participation, but also the relationships the games foster both inside and outside of the events.
The Lebanon County Senior Games promote an active and healthy lifestyle, as well as a sense of community for seniors through a competitive yet friendly atmosphere, Wolfe noted.
“I would like to see more seniors get involved,” Haag remarked.
She noted the enjoyment of meeting new people and reconnecting with participants from previous years’ games.
“Senior Games is another way to stay active and meet new people,” she said. “It has added a whole new circle of friends to my life that I get together with on a regular basis, from playing cards and board games, swimming parties, pickleball outings—we [have] even been on a number of vacations together.”
To request more information on the Lebanon County Senior Games or to learn about opportunities and activities the Lebanon YMCA offers, call (717) 273-2691 or visit www.lebanonymca.org.