Martin County seniors prove competitive spirit never gets old

Seniors from Martin County Senior Citizens Center mark the moment with a photo at the Big Sandy Senior Games outdoor competition: (Back row, left to right) Doug Goble, Bill Zuidema, Dan Chance, Loretta Dalton, Julia Chance, Betty Jude, Gertie Cox, (front) Patricia Johnson, Betty Grace, Elsie Lowe, Norma Jarrell, Kay Whitt, Bertha Jude, Kealeigh Jude, Dovie Crum, Eshter Kirk, Morgan “Buddy” Preston and Blanche Pemberton.

CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — If there were a medal count for enthusiasm, the Martin County Senior Citizens Center might have swept that category, too.

A group of local seniors traveled to the 39th annual Big Sandy Senior Games in May and returned home with an impressive collection of top finishes in everything from bowling and basketball to shuffleboard, cornhole and mini golf.

“Participants always enjoy the bowling, outdoor games and the banquet,” said center director Jennifer Jude. “This event is always fun for the Big Sandy Area seniors.”

Martin County Senior Citizens Center seniors at the Big Sandy Senior Games banquet (from left): Kay Whitt, Dan Chance, Dovie Crum, Bill Zuidema and Elsie Lowe.

Martin County competitors proved that competition has no age limit and that they could still bring their A-game. Each competed in their age and gender groups.

Bill Zuidema rolled his way to first place in bowling and added first-place finishes in football throw and the mile walk. He also earned second place in softball toss, basketball and horseshoes and third place in shuffleboard and cornhole.

Doug Goble was equally busy, capturing first place in mini golf and shuffleboard, second place in football throw and archery and third-place finishes in softball toss, lawn bowling and the mile walk.

Dan Chance placed third in mini golf, archery and horseshoes.

Dan Chance releases a horseshoe during competition at the 39th annual Big Sandy Senior Games in May. Chance earned third-place finishes in mini golf, archery and horseshoes for the Martin County Senior Citizens Center.

Lowell “L.T.” Preece earned first place in basketball and third place in the mile walk.

Among the women, Kay Whitt collected a long list of awards, including third place in bowling, mini golf, basketball and horseshoes, along with second place finishes in football throw, softball toss and cornhole.

Kay Whitt takes aim during a football throw event at the Big Sandy Senior Games. Whitt brought home awards in seven events, including second-place finishes in football throw, softball toss and cornhole.

Dovie Crum turned in one of the strongest performances of the games, earning first place in shuffleboard and softball toss, second place in football throw, basketball and archery, and third place in mini golf and cornhole.

Elsie Lowe captured first place in shuffleboard.

Blanche Pemberton claimed first place in shuffleboard and horseshoes.

Norma Jarrell earned first place in football throw.

Julia Chance took first place in cornhole and second place in football throw.

Esther Kirk finished first in football throw and the mile walk while adding third place in softball toss.

Loretta Dalton competes in a throwing event during the Big Sandy Senior Games. Seniors from Martin County participated in a variety of activities, including football throw, softball toss, archery, shuffleboard and horseshoes.
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