GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KFQX) – Men and women get to be athletic during their golden years in the Western Colorado Senior Games. The games also serve as an opportunity for seniors to be social and sporty among their peers.
“They’re always looking for something to do,” City of Grand Junction Recreation Coordinator Lorie Gregor expresses, “Outdoor recreation and something that’s really a big part of this community and that means that the Western Colorado Senior Games is really meeting a need.”
“The Western Colorado Senior Games is a week full of sports that test and highlight the senior’s ability,” Cora Dickey reports, “It doesn’t matter what your age is as long as you’re in it to win it.”
100-years-young Ellen Roberts is competing during her 17th run, out of the 2 decades Senior Games has been around. Competition means a lot but what means most to her is staying mobile and active.
“When I overgrew leakage of the heart, I loved all sports so I do as many as I can,” 100-years-young Competitor Ellen Roberts shares, “That means more than all the matters to me that you know I can still walk around.”
One sport that’s new to the games this year is axe throwing. This addition keeps the interest sharp among competitors.
After three rounds at Axeology, participants feel having this sport added to the senior games is a bullseye.
“The reason we signed up is because I’ve never heard of it before so we didn’t know what to expect,” Aiaga Roffey explains, “This is awesome that we can just stand in one place and throw. It’s like shooting darts but with heavier stuff.”
The competition is fierce, friendly, and all for good clean fun. The Western Colorado Senior Games are going all week long with a health event at Lincoln Park featuring free screenings for skin cancer.
Wednesday, August 25
Longest Drive 7:30 am Lincoln Park Club House (9th Fairway), 800 Mantlo Cr.
Golf Chip/Putt 9:00am Lincoln Park Golf Course, 800 Mantlo Cr.
Basketball Shoot 1:00pm Bookcliff Activity Center, 540 ½ 29 ¼ Rd.
Cribbage 2:00pm Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave.
Thursday, August 26
Swimming – 500 warm-up 7:00am Orchard Mesa Pool, 2736 Unaweep Ave.
Horseshoes 9:00am Canyon View Horseshoe Pits, 730 24 Rd. (northeast)
Billiards 9 Ball 9:00am Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave.
Bowling 1:00pm Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Rd.
Banquet 4:30pm Ale House, 2531 N. 12th St.
Friday, August 27
Field Events Shot/Discus 7:00am Lincoln Park Sports Complex, 910 No. 12th St.
Other Field Events 7:30am Lincoln Park Sports Complex, 910 No. 12th St.
Track Events 9:00am Lincoln Park Sports Complex, 910 No. 12th St.
Health Fair 9am-12pm Lincoln Park Barn
Pinochle 1:00pm Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave.
Saturday, August 28
Pickleball 8:30am Lincoln Park Pickleball Courts, 1340 Gunnison Ave.
Sunday, August 29
Pickleball 8:30am Lincoln Park Pickleball Courts, 1340 Gunnison Ave.
