Why I Love the Virginia Senior Games

by LaTanya K. Turner

Recreation Manager

Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation

2016 VRPS Vice President

…And I do, love the Virginia Senior Games

I started volunteering for the Virginia Senior Games back in 2006. Virginia Beach was hosting the games and I helped with the officiating of the horseshoe tournament. While I was there I also had the opportunity to check out some of the basketball games. At the time, I was surprised at the athleticism displayed and delighted by the enthusiasm of the participants. Up to that point most of my recreation experiences involved children or teens, I hadn’t experienced the senior population much.

Fast forward a few years and I was working with seniors, and we had our own local Senior Games! As a Parks and Rec professional and a track coach I was so excited to put two things I love together for the good of the citizens I was serving. Seniors came from all over the area to compete, have lunch and share a laugh. They walked, ran, threw the shot put, discus, and javelin and they had a grand time doing it. Some were there just for our games and some were there to practice for the “big dance”- the Virginia Senior Games. As you know, this is not a shy retiring group of folks, and the “retiring” part only refers to where they may be in this stage of their life! They are fierce competitors and some are more determined than ANY youth I’ve ever seen compete.

When the Games came to Newport News I knew it was my chance to help out again as it was in my area. I met people from all over Virginia - they came from near and far, and I enjoyed hearing of their journey to the Games and what led them to participate. As I was checking in the runners for the 50m dash, I spoke to a lady 94 years young; she said she had been competing for some time and she liked to tell people she was competing so she could see the look on their faces! The competitors range in age from 50 to infinity and are a very diverse population.

Last year, in 2015, I had the opportunity to be the “Voice of the Senior Games” …well ok, of the Track and Field portion… (self-proclaimed) and I had a blast! The spirit of competition, the pushing beyond boundaries, the teaming up with friends, the families that come to cheer them on, and the Athletes Party! (so much fun it could be its own post J), make this one of the highlights of the year, and definitely a highlight for me. If you are in the area, come on out, commit to volunteer or sign up (2020 billiards here I come!). You really don’t know what you are missing!

What I Learned in Newport News

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Last week I spent over 37 hours at a table in the corner of the registration room at the 2014 Virginia Senior Games.  Outside, and all around Newport News, people were enjoying glorious sunny weather (except for a half-day washout on Friday).  They were experiencing the adrenalin rush of great competition, and by great I mean inspiring - people who have learned to enjoy the journey of training, culminating in a physical test of their hard work.

So, while I saw little of the actual athletic prowess (I was able to peek at table tennis and swimming) and the biggest workout of my week were my fingertips on my keyboard - managing registration, communication, results, and other facets of VSG administration - my table duty was one of the most rewarding experiences I can recall.

Why you might ask?  There are two reasons, the first of which is the athletes.  They come through door, and I can see in their frames and in their faces the effort that they have invested in order to arrive.  A 95-year-old archer was accompanied by his daughter and her husband, who are seniors themselves.  The athlete was prepared to compete in the Friday washout - and he did - with a trooper attitude that resulted in a gold medal.  Another athlete (track and field - discus) was back after a bout of prostrate cancer - proud and grateful to just be a part of the Games again.  A 101-year-old swimmer accompanied her swimmer son; a VSG swimmer alumni herself, she broke world records as recently as 2013.

The second reason for my wonderful week was the very special company in the registration room.  Rather than being a cumbersome necessity, this spirited group has turned registration into a wonderful, favorably anticipated part of the Virginia Senior Games experience.  Amidst the grins, playful banter, cheers, singing, games of hangman, impromptu karaoke, and spontaneous dancing - I felt like I was in a sorority of sorts.  These folks reminded me of what matters - the little things like a smile and camaraderie.  I can't recall an athlete who was not greeted with a round of applause, followed by endless shouts of encouragement as they departed.  Many often returned to show-off their wares - gold, silver, and bronze medals - resulting in more clapping and cheering.  My favorite quote of the week:

"Nothing but winners come out of here."

 

 

 

 

 

 

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 10, Athletic Fields

Athletic Fields
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Sports turf is big business.  Schools, governments, and athletic facilities are investing funds, manpower, and acreage in order to provide their communities safe, versatile, and attractive game-day venues.

Virginia Recreation and Park Society is privileged to offer Athletic Fields 301, the third incarnation of this athletic field maintenance workshop.  Thanks to our three sponsors, Toro, Turf Equipment and Supply Company, and Smith Turf and Irrigation, experts Dale Getz and Michael Goatley will lead attendees through the ABC's of establishing, and maintaining, quality athletic fields.

VRPS members receive a $10 discount to the workshop.  Thanks to four VRPS host agencies offering the use of their facilities, registrants can choose from four locations throughout the Commonwealth:  Salem (west), Fairfax (north), Henrico (central), Chesapeake (east).

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.