Senior Olympics

300 physically fit seniors go for the gold in the 2008 St. Charles Parish games

Photo by Shonna Riggs

SENIOR OLYMPICS. Many St. Charles Parish elders gathered in March for the 2008 Senior Olympic games, which are celebrating their 20th year. Events included: shuffleboard, javelin, discus, free-throw contests, dance teams, bait casting, bowling doubles, a

Javelins flew across clear blue skies on March 27 as older athletes from all over the parish participated in the 2008 Senior Olympic competition games in Hahnville. Event winners will move on to the state competition and winners from there go on to the nationals.

"We didn't have very many spectators watching these seniors at the games," Theresa Theriot, assistant recreation director for seniors said.

"Our oldest participant was a lady from St. John Parish who is 92 years old and it was amazing to watch her participate in the games."

Normally, all the activity people this age get is when they watch their grandchildren participate in various sporting events in the parish.

But times are changing and a large group of parish elders are staying active and participating in physically challenging sports.

Theriot says she'd love to have more residents come out to the event.

"We had over 300 seniors participate in the games and at least 200 of those will go onto the state competition to be held in Baton Rouge," she said.

"From there the winners will compete in San Diego for the National Senior Olympic Competition."

Bill Elrod, and Mack Spirs from Luling have been the biggest winners, making it all the way to the national competition last year in Philadelphia.

"These seniors are over 70 years old, and that's quite an accomplishment," Theriot said. "Edie Corso, from Destrehan wins a lot of medals too, and participates in just about every competition."

The award ceremony for this years' winners will be held at the VFW Hall in Luling on April 23.

"They're participating in events like shot-put and free-throw basketball, and other activities," she said.

"We have something for every senior, even those that aren't as physically active."

The events include bowling, shuffleboard, Charmin toss, recreational horse shoes, dance teams, washer pitch, bait casting, softball for accuracy, softball distance and football for accuracy and distance.

There is a senior walking competition, a basketball free throw contest, balloon burst, arts and crafts and a baking contest.

"We also have senior dance teams," Theriot said.

"We think it's something that's unique and look forward to hosting the event for years to come."

Theriot, who's worked with the department for 13 years, says the games for have been around for at least 20 years.