Annual Senior Games commence friendly community competition in Port Orange

An opening ceremony at the Adult Center in Port Orange kickstarts tournament opportunities for seniors.

By Kaitlin Sargent
| 6:00 p.m. March 18, 2019

Joe Taynor concentrates his horseshoe throw at the Senior Games opening ceremony at the Port Orange Adult Center on March 14. Photo by Kaitlin Sargent

Bill Zulio, Keith and Donna Matwichuk, and Harold Wheeler are excited for the games while at the Senior Games opening ceremony at the Port Orange Adult Center on March 14. Photo by Kaitlin Sargent

Don Burnette served food and Deb Korfage-Amborn provided preventative health information in support of the Senior Games opening ceremony at the Port Orange Adult Center on March 14. Photo by Kaitlin Sargent

Lil and Leon Berard represent the Port Orange Community Trust as a sponsor at the Senior Games opening ceremony at the Port Orange Adult Center on March 14. Photo by Kaitlin Sargent

Tom MacDonald, Ron Smith, George Brittenburg, and Peter Sikinger mingle before the horseshoe competition starts at the Senior Games opening ceremony at the Port Orange Adult Center on March 14. Photo by Kaitlin Sargent

Food to be served by the administrative staff of the Senior Games at the Port Orange Adult Center on March 14. Photo courtesy of Hannah Merlo

Ron Smith lands a horseshoe right on the peg at the Senior Games opening ceremony at the Port Orange Adult Center on March 14. Photo by Kaitlin Sargent

Tom MacDonald focuses on aim as he throws a horseshoe at the Senior Games opening ceremony at the Port Orange Adult Center on March 14. Photo by Kaitlin Sargent

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Growing older doesn’t always mean growing inactive.

Senior residents across Volusia County gathered on March 14 for the opening ceremony of the annual Senior Games to prove this in an olympic-style tournament of various sports. Competitors sat side-by-side and across tables sharing smiles and stories while enjoying the company. Participants were presented a swag goodie bag and served food to celebrate the kickoff.

Following the ceremony, the first of the matches began with horseshoes and shuffleboard, with many other events follow. Events include tennis, racquetball, softball, corn hole, golf, basketball shooting, volleyball, basketball three-on-three, swimming and pickleball.

According to the director of the Senior Games, A.T. Marucci, about 60 couples have signed up for pickleball, a strategic, fast-paced game that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The sport is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation and also, in Port Orange, participant Harold Wheeler said it's bringing the community together. He said he is excited to play on the recently added courts in Port Orange at the Adult Center.

“The biggest thing is socialization,” said Hannah Merlo, Port Orange Parks and Recreation athletic supervisor.

The public is welcome to support the almost 270 participants and connect by attending the next two major events sponsored by Port Orange Community Trust, Florida Health Care Plans, Halifax Health Hospice, Lamar Advertising Company and That’s Amore.