The 26th New York State Senior Games are underway in Cortland, NY and thousands of seniors from across the state are participating in a wide range of athletic competitions. But the games aren't all about competition. There's much camaraderie and a few social events as well that make the few days in upstate New York a regular event for many participants. The Senior Games run through June 8.
This year, the Senior Games attracted more than 2100 athletes, along with guests and friends, from across New York State. Athletes participate in more than 20 competitive sports and recreational events. There are also instructional clinics, informational exhibits, and educational seminars, such as the Health and Wellness Fair, organized by the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is the lead sponsoring agency for the Senior Games.
Anyone age 50 years or older can participate in the games. This year's oldest participant was Irene Fiero, 95, of Middletown, New York who competed in swimming. The top ranked athletes in each age group and event will qualify to compete in the 2009 national games which will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Marcus Harazin, Deputy Director for the Division of Community Services at the New York State Office for the Aging was on hand to take part in the official opening ceremonies, which included lighting of the torch. On behalf of Michael Burgess, Director of NYSOFA, he welcomed the senior athletes from across New York who had come not only to compete but to highlight the importance of fitness as an essential part of healthy aging.
Director Burgess noted that "those participating in the Senior Games are role models for the 3.2 million older New Yorkers and aging baby boomers." He went on to say that, "by staying active and engaged, these older New Yorkers demonstrate that a healthy and involved lifestyle opens countless opportunities to live an enriched life well into late years." Director Mike Burgess was on hand earlier in the day and toured the event, meeting with many of the participating athletes to congratulate them on their efforts.
During this year's opening ceremony Carol Deloff, the Director of the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging, received a medal of recognition award for her tireless efforts to make the event a success. The Games are being held on the campus of SUNY Cortland and Carol and staff work throughout the year to bring awareness to the games and to make the event a success.
The results of this year's events will soon be posted on the web site:
www.empirestategames.org
