One of the local organizers is Linda Law, an associate professor and Recreation Program Coordinator at Western Michigan University's Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. “This is the first time the Senior Summer Olympics have been held on this side of the state in many years,” Law says. “Over a decade ago, Holland hosted the games and about eight years ago, they were in Battle Creek. MSO promotes healthy lifestyles through health and fitness clinics, wellness programs and the summer/winter sports competitions. I'm in the 50 plus generation and recreation for older adults is vital now that the Baby Boomers are coming along.”
Hugh Acton is pushing 80. He's a retired industrial designer, an artist, famed metal sculptor and avid senior athlete. Skiing. Snow shoeing. Race walking. The Triathlon. He's always been physically active, particularly as a runner in college and sees no reason to slow down now. He did come to a complete halt, once, when he took a nasty fall on the ice while speed skating in 2003 and broke his hip. Acton had it pinned but is planning a total joint replacement. “I'm tired of walking around like a limpy old man,” he chuckles.
“The reason I am a tri-athlete is because I would not excel in any single one of them, running, swimming or bicycling, but putting them all together, I average out better than most people,” he says with pride. In fact, Acton once won as national champion in both the Senior Olympics triathlon and race walking. “I tend to want to get a lot of things done and I hate to think of anything standing between me and my goals,” Acton says. He does plan to bring his goals in line with his recovery from hip replacement surgery. Instead of competing in the MSO this time around, he might be a volunteer helping out on the sidelines.
“We all want to stay fit,” Linda Law adds. “The more active we are, the better the health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, stronger cardiovascular system, good cholesterol numbers and keeping our weight in line. The MSO allows those of us who have been active to continue to do the things we love, be a little competitive and be recognized for our achievements. We don't have to be super. We just like to play and participate in organized activities. Many of us think that's important for a better quality of life as we age.” Law said she has been truly inspired by the camaraderie, social value and stamina in the MSO. “In 2004, I watched a 97-year-old man do a one hundred yard dash. It brought tears to my eyes to witness that. It was incredible.”
MSO team sports begin July 9 - 10, 2005 while all other events will take place July 13 - 17, 2005 at various locations across Kalamazoo County, including WMU, Kalamazoo College, Milham Park Golf Course, Wenke Softball Field at Kalamazoo County River Oaks Park and Robert Morris Park in Comstock. There are approximately 25 different sports or activities in the MSO state competition, including bowling, golf, dancing, swimming, plus various track and field events. You must be age 50 or older to participate. Qualification for the National Senior Olympic Games comes in alternate years but state competition is held every year. The 2006 state tournament in Kalamazoo will be the qualifier for the National Games.
Current AARP estimates note there are over 600 million individuals in the world aged 60 and over. By the year 2050, there will be two billion. As we envision this global aging trend, it's vital to remember that aging is a force of nature. It happens to all of us. You can sit back and let it happen or you can run to meet each decade, embracing that time period as fully as humanly possible. Join the Senior Olympics as athletes, volunteers and supporters come together in Kalamazoo to celebrate the wisdom and power of aging well.
For registration information for the Kalamazoo games, contact Ann Brewer, Michigan Senior Olympics at 248-608-0250 or email misrolympics@yahoo.com. Complete information on the 2005 and 2006 MSO activities may be obtained by calling toll free: 1-800-400-8161. Access the full schedule online at www.michiganseniorolympics.org. To volunteer, call 269-383-9989.
