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Share your story Tennessee Senior Olympics story with us.
After over 20 years disabled with MS, I began working out
at a gym, which led eventually to entering Senior Olympics. I just finished the
nationals in Houston with a medal and 3 ribbons in track and field. But the
best part is all the friends I've made across the state and now the nation.
Looking forward to seeing my TN friends for the 3rd year this coming week. Eleanor Pendergraft - Submitted July 20, 2011 3 year participant
__________________________________________ In 1999, a received the news that no one wants to here - Cancer. I had surgery in 1999 and chemo in 2000 and with the love of my GOD was
cancer free in 2001. I have always loved sports especially basketball so when a
friend of mine asked me to play I was ready. Thinking it would help me forget
about the word cancer. We got a team together and starting playing basketball
and now we have a volleyball team too. I am truly grateful to TN SENIOR GAMES
for having these tournaments so people like me can keep playing sports and
forget about their past and play for the future. - Barbara D Wunner, 8 yr participate - Submitted July 2011
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My friend, Paul Roberts, a local radio
personality in Chattanooga asked me to play golf with him in the 1998 senior
games.Paul didn't place that year, but
I managed to win the Gold Medal and it started a long golfing friendship with
him that lasted several years.Paul was
a winner at times during the games, but finally lost a battle to cancer years later.We won many other golf tournaments together
and some of our best fun was at the Tennessee senior games. I continue to
playing the games in his memory. I also play for the spirit of competition and
to keep active. I once drove a par four green because Paul told me to "go
for it." The friends I play golf with today for over 27 years are people I
met on the golf course and in the games because I decided to get off the couch
and go play.I may not be a winner all
the time, but I'm a participant every time in the senior games because I chose
"to go for it". - Ray Cherry, submitted September 2010
I've been looking forward to the Senior Olympics for the
past 5 years. Now, at age 50, I finally get to participate in the swimming
events! I have had to train alone since no one in my county or district
competes in swimming events. However, after all of those long and lonely hours
in the pool, I will get to share my love of swimming with other lively seniors
from across the state. I can't wait until the July competition! Debbie Frey, Adamsville, TN - 1st year participant
In 2002, I sat across the table at the senior
awards' luncheon from Jan Saunders of Sunbright, Tenn. I was alone as mydoubles tennis partner did not come and
Janwas alone for the same
reason.Theluncheon ended with the state official telling us to play together as we had both qualified. That was the
beginning of a long lasting partnership still in 2009. We also combined our
efforts and published a book together called Shira's Song. I would have never
met Jan who lives an hour away from me if it had not been for senior games.
When we roomed together for events we wrote our book and Jan now comes to
Fairfield once a week to play tennis with a group we are both members of. We
have partnered in USTA events and have wonmedals in local and statelevels.
Thanks to senior games we have more than a tennis love relationship.Beverly LaHote Schwind, Fairfield Glade, TN - 10 year participant - Submitted July, 2009
I became involved in the Senior Games in 1993. At that time I was still employed as a church secretary. I retired in 1997 so I could play more! I have made so many good friends through the years. I have also attended all the Nationals since 1995 in San Antonio. My best sport is horseshoes, but my favorite is basketball. This year my 49 year old son Michael joined me in playing table tennis. I love the games and can't imagine my life without them. Thank you for all you do for seniors to help keep them healthy and active. I plan to compete until I'm 100 - so far, so good. Joyce G. Manis, Kingsport, TN - 16 year participant - Submitted July, 2008
A couple of years ago I was on the operating table with open heart surgery on the District qualifying date..Naturally, I didn't get to qualify for the State Finals. So I just attended with my wife Jane who did qualify and participated..Some old Coots moving around getting ready..One said: "Hey, Wade, we missed you at District. Where ya been?" Well, I told them:"I had three bypasses with open heart surgery." Somebody in the group said: "Heck!I had 5 bypasses and a new hip put in, where's the discus?" I didn't even get to have a pity party...Go getum old Coots....Wade Odom,Baxter, TN - 10 year participant - Submitted June, 2008
