Hosted on September 12 in the Seabury Center and surrounding outdoor facilities at Berea College, the day was full of inspiration and awe. Smiling faces and sunny dispositions were everywhere. Standing on the track watching the track and field competition unfold, a sense of pride rolled in with the morning fog, persisting the entire day whereever participants were found.   It was truly moving to watch a generation of competitors surpass personal records and perform at levels that would rival even the youngest of us.  Blue shirts marking the athletes and yellow shirts identifying the volunteer staff of students and Berea citizens mingled and worked together with harmony.

Lending its origins to the National Senior Games of 2007, hosted in Louisville, KY, the Regional Boomer and Senior Games got their start here at Berea with Bluegrass Area Development Aging Program Assistant Randy Lawson’s desire to reach part of the population that he felt wasn’t given sufficient attention—the young baby boomers of the late 1940s and 1950s. Intergenerational Center Director of Berea Paula Woodman also expressed her desire for an outreach program of the same sort and, knowing that the facilities for hosting such an event were limited, Paula thought of Berea College’s Physical Education Department and facilities. When pitched the ball, Berea College’s finest stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam.  Additional sponsors of the event included St. Joseph-Berea Hospital, Subway and Caretenders.

Employing the help of Berea physical education department personnel Kelly Ambrose, Sandy Williams, John Mills, Allen Jackson, JB Barrett, Susan Spalding, Joy Hager, and Melody Srsic, Martha Beagle organized this and last year’s Regional Boomer and Senior Games. While the process was a challenge and sometimes chaotic and stressful, the end result was highly satisfying for everyone involved, participants and volunteers alike.  Over 100 of the Berea College student body showed up to help out with events across the board, their efforts organized by Melody Srsic.  Athletic events included badminton, basketball (3 on 3), cycling (10 & 20 K), golf (18 holes), racquetball, swimming, track & field, and tennis (singles, doubles & mixed doubles).

Martha Beagle extended her gratitude to everyone involved. “It was a wonderful opportunity for Berea College students and the entire day could not have happened without them,” she said. “ So thank you students and thank you Boomers and Seniors–for showing us a future full of hope and vivaciousness. We look forward to seeing you in the years to come.” CONTACT:
Dr. Martha Beagle, department of Physical Education and Health
(859)985-3573 ]]> http://www.berea.edu/peh/2009/10/20/2nd-annual-bluegrass-regional-boomer-and-senior-games-a-success/feed/ 0 http://www.berea.edu/peh/2009/08/26/bluegrass-regional-boomer-and-senior-games-to-be-held-sept-12/ http://www.berea.edu/peh/2009/08/26/bluegrass-regional-boomer-and-senior-games-to-be-held-sept-12/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:10:15 +0000 Aka http://www.berea.edu/peh/?p=185 Continue reading →]]> BEREA, KY.  (Aug 26 2009) –Berea College and the Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living along with sponsors Caretenders, Subway and Saint Joseph Hospital Berea will host the Second Annual Bluegrass Regional Boomer and Senior Games on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Berea College’s Seabury Center will be the location for most of the competitions to be held for all persons who are fifty years old and over.  Athletic events will include badminton, basketball (3 on 3), cycling (10 & 20 K), golf (18 holes), racquetball, swimming, track & field, and tennis (singles, doubles & mixed doubles).

The fee for competing is $15.00, payable during pre-registration with forms found atwww.berea.edu/peh or $20.00 for on-site late registration at the Seabury Center on the day of the Games.  The fee includes a Games’ t-shirt and lunch. As part of the Bluegrass Regional Boomer and Senior Games, all athletes, spectators and any other interested persons are asked to enter their best art and/or crafts in the “Art at the Games” exhibit.  First, second and third place “best of show” will be selected by a panel of independent judges and awarded ribbons in each medium of art work.

Battlefield Golf Course will be the venue for all men and women’s golf competitions beginning with a shotgun start for 18 holes of golf.  Green’s Fees, payable at the course, will be $25.00 in addition to the $15.00 pre-registration fee.  Awards will be presented after each sporting event to the top three finishers in each 5 year age bracket.  Mark the date of Sept. 12 on your calendar and come enjoy the Second Annual Bluegrass Regional Boomer and Senior Games in beautiful and historic Berea. CONTACT:
Martha Beagle, Ed.D., (859) 985-3573 ]]> http://www.berea.edu/peh/2009/08/26/bluegrass-regional-boomer-and-senior-games-to-be-held-sept-12/feed/ 0