Saturday, May 25, 2019

Fast Change Lube and Oil Sponsors 34th Annual Big Sandy Senior Games

May is National Older Americans Month. The purpose of Older Americans Month is to promote older adults and their communities to connect with their friends and family. It also aims to create personal enrichment and contribute their time for the benefit of others. Big Sandy Area Development promoted awareness by hosting its 34th Annual Senior Citizens Games on May 10 and May 17.

The Big Sandy Senior Games began on the second Friday in May with a bowling tournament held at Bowl-Rite Lanes in Prestonsburg. The games wrapped up on the third Friday of the month with its outdoor portion of the event. The outdoor games took place at Dewey Dam’s recreational area located within Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. Seniors competed in a mile walk, softball, basketball, and football tosses, cornhole, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and archery. The games are divided by age group.

Steve Jones is the Co-Director of Aging Services at Big Sandy Area Development. He says over 260 seniors registered for this year’s event with the oldest competing senior being 99-years old. He says it’s pleasing to see the happiness that the games bring to the competitors and the volunteers each year.

“What I enjoy most about the games is watching the seniors compete and the good time that they have. For many of the seniors, this is the only time they get to interact with seniors from the other counties. It is a great environment for everyone, including the volunteers.”

Jones adds that over 150 community members donated their time to make the event a great success.

Fast Change Lube and Oil proudly provided the 260 senior participants with 34th Annual Senior Games hats, that were worn during the event as the competition heated up.

Senior citizen centers in Floyd, Pike, Johnson, Martin, and Magoffin counties were involved in the Big Sandy Senior Games. An awards banquet will be held on May 29 to recognize the participating seniors.