Joyce Rand, SunPorch of Dodge City elder, celebrates a strike during her bowling practice for the upcoming Senior Olympics.
Several elders at SunPorch of Dodge City have started their training-camp regimen for the upcoming Senior Olympics.
The annual event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20 at the Cimarron 4-H Building. The opening ceremony begins at I p.m.
Volunteers and donations are still needed.
“The SunPorch team is eager to compete with their peers in this great event,” said Gina Salmans, activities director. “We recently started training for a variety of the games.
“However, the Senior Olympics is not just for the participants; we also encourage our elders to be spectators. It is a fun afternoon that affords the opportunity for socialization and team spirit.”
Salmans noted that Sen. John Doll will again serve as emcee for the event and “we are honored to have him join us. Sen. Doll’s participation demonstrates that he cares about elders and we are grateful to him.”
SunPorch is a member of District 6 of the AD/SSD family. The acronym stands for activities directors/social services designees. These are the people who keep elders engaged in activities at home and in the community.
The Senior Olympics is open to any entity that is a member of District 6. Nearly 30 members have signed up to participate.
Specific games include: basketball toss; Hula Hoop football toss; bowling; soccer kick; tennis target; corn-hole toss; pie-building contest; Rockette kick; and spelling bee.
Two levels of participation are offered to allow more opportunities to join in the games.
“During these weeks leading up to the event, we are seeking financial donations, as well as volunteers willing to share their time,” Salmans said. “The Senior Olympics is a labor of love for the SunPorch committee but we also rely on the community’s support.”
Committee members recruit other volunteers, order medals, compile the agenda, donate snacks and take care of the paperwork.
Financial donations help pay for medals and meals, while some volunteers help elders to and from their chosen games.
“Donors of money and time can be assured their generosity is appreciated,” Salmans commented. “When elders are engaged in activities they benefit physically and emotionally.”
Donations may be sent to: Amy Berry, c/o The Shepherd Center, 101 Cedar Ridge Drive, Cimarron, Ks. 67835.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Salmans by calling 620-227-7512.
Joyce Rand, SunPorch of Dodge City elder, keeps her eye on the ball during bowling practice for the upcoming Senior Olympics.
