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The History of The Massachusetts Senior Games
Formed in 1991, the
Massachusetts Senior Games kindled the Olympic spirit and ignited the
flame for thousands of older adults across the Commonwealth. The Games
gives them the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities
throughout the year.
Massachusetts Senior Games began with a "Fun
Walk" in Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts. One hundred fifty
spirited seniors crossed the finish line in the fall of 1991 and the
"Games Began!"
The following year 250 senior athletes gathered in
June at Springfield College to participate in eleven events in track and
field, swimming, tennis, and others. Many qualified for the USNSSO
National Senior Sports Classic held in Baton Rouge in May,
1993.
1995
marked the first Winter Games held at Mt. Wachusett, Princeton,
Massachusetts and at the Wallace Civic Center in Fitchburg. Over 150
athletes participated in giant slalom, cross country and ice
hockey.
The growth of the Massachusetts Senior Games is directly
tied to a base of committed sponsors. Bank of Boston, the first corporate
sponsor, became presenting sponsor in the Fall of 1991. Later, the
Executive Office of Elder Affairs and US Health Care became co-sponsors.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Pilgrim Health Care
and Secure Horizons have also joined our team.
From the beginning,
the host site sponsor, Springfield College, provided superior facilities
for the summer Massachusetts Senior Games. Springfield, the host city
sponsor, contributes park and recreation sites.
Each year the
number of athletes, events, volunteers and supporters grows. Today, more
than 1,000 athletes, grouped in five year age categories, may enter a
spectrum of 23 summer events, 7 winter events, and an Olympic Fitness
Walk. They may also attend educational programs and the Health/Sports Expo
during the summer games, and participate in a series of clinics and
workshops held all over the state throughout the year.
Keeping pace
with the increase in number of participants, the number of volunteers has
risen from approximately 50 in 1991 to over 200 in 1995. Support, too, has
grown dramatically. Over 30 corporations and organizations presently
support the Massachusetts Senior Games.
We are very proud of our
growth; we've come a long way since the first lighting of the torch and
parade of athletes!
It's Time To Catch The
Spirit!
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