Senior citizens from 20 different retirement communities, nursing homes and assisted-living homes proved that age is nothing but a number on Oct. 3 at the second annual Senior Olympics held at Rosewood Senior Living Community.
“The Senior Olympics is the brainchild of the Kern County Activities Directors Association. We decided to host it last year,” said Executive Director of Rosewood Ted Burgess. “There’s not another place big enough to hold it.”
The event was kicked off by a “Parade of Champions,” which included Bakersfield Rollergirls, South High School’s marching band and color guard, and many more in addition to all the participants from each community. Burgess was the master of ceremony and Mayor Harvey Hall ended the beginning ceremony by declaring the start of the games.
Participants competed against each other and other communities in senior-friendly versions of games like basketball, bowling, and discus. They also played wheelchair volleyball and walked in a mile-long walkathon.
Participants played whatever they wanted to play, some signed up in advance and some didn’t. Awards were given for each event in different divisions. There was also an award for the oldest participant, which went to Ruby Fleenor, 100, a resident at California Care Center.
“Most of the incentives are internal and personal. They want to prove that they can still do it,” said Burgess. “The image of a nursing home is that they can’t do anything. This shows that we’re still alive and part of the world.”
The competitors had different reasons for participating in the Senior Olympics. Some decided to participate because it was something different to do.
“I’m still in good health. It’s something to do, and I like to be active,” said Mary Valentyn, a resident at Columbus Estates, who competed in the horseshoe toss and softball toss.
Others decided to participate because of friends.
“I decided to participate because of a push from other participants. Mary pushed me to participate. I thought I’d just be a spectator,” said Sal Mendez, also a resident at Columbus Estates, who won third place in the walkathon for the 78 and over age group.
Some participants trained, but most did not. Mendez says he just stays active and attributed his win to that. When asked if he plans to compete again, he said, “Oh yeah, if I’m here.”