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Area Seniors Encourage Fitness at Annual 50+ Sports Classic
By Artisha S. Lawson
The Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
Over 100 senior citizens from Toledo and the surrounding
areas gathered on Saturday, June 14 to compete in nine
sporting events at St. Francis De Sales High School.
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Channel 13 ABC Action News personality Rob Powers welcomed
the crowd, while Toledo’s own JJ Express Drill & Drum Corp.,
paraded the participants onto the track.
Area Office on Aging CEO/President Billie Johnson praised
the seniors who signed up as participates in the events, and
their supports. “Fitness is important at any age, thanks for
supporting this program.”
Mayor Carleton Finkbeiner stressed the importance of healthy
living. “I am one of you, the more you exercise the more
breath you take in. It’s not about health for ourselves; we
have responsibilities to our grandkids, great-grandkids,
sick friends and increasing our abilities in having a
long-term life.”
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Words of encouragement were also expressed by boxer Devin
Vargas, a professional heavyweight boxer who represented the
United States in the 2004 Olympics. Vargas would like to see
boxing added to the senior classic events in the upcoming
years and lit the cauldron. Also stopping by to express her
own words of encouragement was 1972 U.S. Olympian Mamie
Rallins who carried the same Olympic torch she toted in the
1996 games. “This is the torch that I carried, we are
showing society that great health and fitness is important
at any age.” |
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The opening ceremony closed with the National Anthem being
sung by Steve Grudzien and group warm-ups led by Suzi
Perlaky, the YMCA/JCC Fitness Coach.
Event organizer Justin Moore was excited about the
festivities and the increase of participants in the past
three years. “This is our third year since the name change
from Senior Olympics. For over 20 years it was a week-long
event at different locations, so we decided to pull it all
together on one day. Our main focus is encouraging fitness,
it’s important for a long healthy life and also to have fun
today.”
100-meter runner 76-year-old Dorothy Gacksletter completed
the race in first place. “I’m tired right now, but overall
feel great.”
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A total of 115 participants competed in several track &
field events, volleyball, basketball, softball, golf,
swimming, table tennis, bowling and tennis. Participants
were divided in nine different age groups ranging from
50-90+, and winners were awarded gold, silver and bronze
medals.
The event was sponsored by the Area Office on Aging of
Northwest Ohio, Inc., Toledo Free Press, YMCA & JCC of
Greater Toledo, Mobile Medical Services, CareSource
Management Group, Humana, Matthew’s Ford, Mature Living News
Magazine, and St. Francis De Sales High School.
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The Area Office on Aging serves communities in Defiance,
Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky,
Williams and Wood counties; in the areas of adult day
services, case management, volunteering and other services.
Contact the office at 1-800-472-7277 or via the Internet
www.areaofficeonaging.com.
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