Submitted by the Washington State Senior Games
Jim Whittaker, the first North American to conquer Mount Everest in 1963, will be the keynote speaker at the 2015 Washington State Senior Games Annual Athletes’ Awards Dinner at the Olympia Center on Saturday, July 25.
Whittaker, 86, has been one of America’s premier mountaineers since his early 20s. He was the very first employee, then manager, then CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) and led Bobby Kennedy on the first-ever ascent of Canada’s Mt. Kennedy, named for the senator’s slain brother, President John F. Kennedy. Four months after their successful climb, Whittaker was a pallbearer at Bobby’s funeral.
Whittaker is famous for the saying “If you aren’t living on the edge, you are taking up too much space.” He will be sharing stories of his life in the mountains as well as signing copies of his book, “A Life on the Edge.”
Prior to the keynote speech, a short, personal interview will also be presented featuring special Guest of Honor Bill Iffrig, the 80-year-old Lake Stevens, WA marathon and long distance runner who was featured on the Sports Illustrated cover after being knocked to the ground during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Iffrig, who has finished more than 50 marathons and earned over 36 national titles in U.S. Track and Field, is expected to take first place in the 10 K. The race begins at 8:45 a.m. at Tumwater High School Stadium in Tumwater, home for all major Track and Field events for the Washington State Senior Games.
Iffrig has also been asked to carry the torch for the Opening Ceremonies, which begin at 8 a.m.
The evening begins with a fellowship social for athletes, friends and family of Washington State Senior Games attendees, followed by a full BBQ buffet catered by Ramblin’ Jacks.
Every year nearly 2,000 senior athletes compete at the Senior Games, coming from across the state, Canada, Oregon and Idaho.
Tickets for the awards dinner are $15 each. Reservations for the event, held at the Olympia Center (222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia) can be secured by phone at 360-413-0148.
