By Tom Rohrer
Participation in a sport is a victory itself.
There were plenty of winners this past weekend during the Washington State Senior Games, which were hosted by the Puget Sound Senior Games and held at various athletic venues across Thurston County.
A variety of sports and competitions were featured in the games, including track and field events, swimming races, tennis and volleyball.
Those who posted qualifying times or results will have an opportunity (if they choose) to compete within their age bracket at the U.S. Senior Olympics, held next year in Cleveland, Ohio. Beginning at age 50, the games feature bracketed age groups within specific competitions.
Paul Kelly, the field supervisor for the events at Tumwater High is impressed with the level of competition and spirit displayed by the athletes.
“It hasn’t really changed much in terms of size,” Kelly said. “But it’s definitely a more competitive field this year, and it seems to increase in that matter each year.
Mel Smith, the head coach of the Olympia High School boys and girls swimming team, is the head of the swimming competitions for the senior games, and enjoys the enthusiasm and determination shown by competing athletes.
“When you have multiple athletes competing in their nineties, that’s what is great about sports,” Smith said. “That’s what inspires people. It helps bolster the local sporting communities and groups and brings attention to deserving athletes. It’s a special event to be a part of.”
Two of those competing swimmers are Marjorie Wintersteen of Olympia and her daughter Sarah Hagestedt, of Gresham, Ore.
Wintersteen, age 91, continues to compete in the games, and enjoys the opportunity to participate with her daughter.
“It’s a real treat to get to do this with my daughter, and is another thing we can say we did together,” said Wintersteen.
“She inspires me, and to see her compete, it makes it much easier for me to compete and practice,” Hagestedt said.
Laura Summers, Wintersteen’s other daughter, enjoys watching her family take part in the games.
“I’ll help out and do what I can when they compete,” Summers said. “It’s nice to see them together and they’ve done it several times now.”
Allen Jakobitz, the Volunteer Coordinator for the games, says the support from the community goes a long way for the athletes.
“When the athletes see their family and friends in the stands, it’s very special for them,” Jakobitz said. “These athletes train and participate in sports all year long, but it doesn’t have much or any fanfare. The crowds bring those competitive juices, and that adrenaline back. It allows the participants to kick it up a notch.”
Having a terrific set of volunteers only helps.
“The volunteers we have, not only are they knowledgeable, but they are very dedicated and passionate for their specific sports or events,” Jakobitz said. “That obviously helps the athletes perform better, because they see how serious the volunteers take their duty.”
Beth Daniel, an Olympia area woman competing in a variety of events, took home first place in the 800 meters for her age group on Saturday, July, 28, at Tumwater High School. The official setting of the Senior Games is what makes the event special for Daniel.
“This is such a great event, and it gives people an opportunity to come out and compete and have fun,” Daniel said. “When you know you’re being timed and watched, you want to perform better, and it’s just fun to be in that setting. Winning a medal feels great too.”
For more information on the Puget Sound Senior Games, visit www.pugetsoundgames.com.
