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September 24, 2009

Staying fit, having fun

Seniors do more than shuffle at these games

Toni Hopper

DUNCAN — Seniors converged on Duncan’s Simmons Center Thursday from throughout the region to participate in the 15th annual Southwest Oklahoma Senior Games.

Pat Bowles, event coordinator of the games, said there were 103 participants, compared to 96 last year. She said that’s about average. The annual event is a non-competitive, physical, social activity designed to bring seniors together in a friendly atmosphere where they can make new friends.

“We had shuffleboard, horseshoes, croquet ... darts, line dancing, yoga,” she said.

Jean Jones of Comanche, who is a regular attendee of the yearly event, said she loves everything about the senior games.

“I like seeing everyone and it’s so much fun. That croquet killed me though,” she said after she threw another dart just before lunch.

That was just a few of the many sports that seniors were able to join in. There also was beach ball volleyball, chair aerobics, ping pong and rolling pin throw.

Bowles said she was once asked if the seniors played cards.

“No Bingo, no cards. I want them to be a little more physical, more active than that,” she said. “It is non-competitive and they get first and second place ribbons for participation.”

The day begins with a continental breakfast, events, then lunch and more events. Tossed into the day is entertainment and door prizes. Entertainment came in the form of an Elvis impersonator from Oklahoma City and two dances provided by the Pacesetters group.

Bowles said Duncan Regional Hospital provided blood pressure checks and blood sugar checks. Urgent Med provided free flu shots to the seniors this year. There also were other sponsors who provided a variety of things, from bottled water to general items.

Bowles said this year was the “birthday party” celebration recognizing the event’s 15th year. Participants came from throughout Stephens County and as far away as Ardmore, Ada, Lone Grove and Lawton.

She was an aerobics instructor for 22 years, then started teaching the adult exercise group Pacesetters. When she retired from that, Bowles began planning events at the Simmons Center for adults.

“I’ve been at the Simmons Center for 19 years and planning events for 12 years,” she said.

She had 15 volunteers helping her this year, she said.

“It’s very tiring. We have quite a busy day, but gosh, they have a great time,” Bowles said.

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