These seniors are good sports

These seniors were ready to get physical.

The Senior Games and OCAHF Family and Friends event, sponsored by the Orange County Activity Director’s Assn., on Wednesday celebrated its 19th year on the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Event coordinator Candace Bartsch still remembers the good old days when the first games began, housed in a dirt-floored stadium. Back in 1987, you couldn’t keep the media away from the event. This year, only one newspaper and KOCE-TV came to cover the games, Bartsch said.

For the 52-year-old, the event she has spent almost two decades pouring her time and heart into warranted more recognition from the community.

“It’s a positive story,” she said. “People need more stories like that.”

And in keeping things positive, Bartsch made sure the entire day was one big party.

“Viva La Fiesta!” was the theme present in every aspect of the games, including food, decorations and the spirit of every volunteer under the roof of Building 10.

Adults from 29 senior care and assisted living facilities in Orange County met at the fairgrounds for a day of competitive games and physical fun. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., seniors battled it out for a chance at a gold, silver or bronze medal in several categories.

The day would not have been possible without the help of the Orange County Transportation Authority.

“The Access program has been wonderful,” Bartsch said. “They even designated a special person to take reservations” for the event.

Lynch ambulances were also on call, although there has not been one major health incident, Bartsch said.

“Still, the one year you don’t have it is the year you will need it,” she said.

Trophies and medals were awarded for best-constructed centerpieces and best group T-shirts, and, of course, for the nine physical competitions held outdoors around the building.

Seniors could participate in as many activities as they wished; however, they could only place in three events of their choosing, which they had to sign up for ahead of time.

Baseball, basketball, soccer, wheelchair races, discus and football throws, target shooting, bowling and horseshoes comprised the morning’s activities.

Those who placed first in their category converged after lunch for the final rounds, which determined who went home with a medal.

Medal winners were split into categories based on age and physical abilities — active seniors ages 55 to 75 and those 76 and older, disabled seniors in the same age ranges, and disabled adults 54 and younger.

“Bowling and target shooting have always been the favorites around here,” Bartsch said.

Of course, they are a favorite of volunteers as well. Bartsch had quite a task on her hands getting a group of teens away from the mini shooting range a good 30 minutes after the games ended.

“I liked it; it’s nice here,” said Unafaye Dawson, who came with a group from Seaside Terrace in Fountain Valley. It was her first year competing in the games, and she scored impressively in the bowling finals.

A tortilla toss was held in honor of those older than 100 who participated in the games. Three people participated in that event.

Babe Cardwell, one of those centenarians, was additionally honored with the Marilyn Reynolds Spirits of Competition award, presented to those who embody the active, hopeful spirit of the games.

The Kansas native wondered why she was in front of the stage so long. It turns out that her facility nominated her for the award based on her positive attitude and her involvement in the games for the last four years. Babe began competing when she was 100.

Members of the Costa Mesa Fire Department stopped by at 2 p.m. to present the medals.

Capt. Jeff Janzen and firefighters Brent Turner, Gary Lilly and John Brock were able to stay for the entire medal ceremony — no fires calling them away early, which has happened in years before, Bartsch said.