Michigan Senior Olympics turn 29

By Jennifer S. McDonald
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER — The smack of a birdie, the whack of a golf ball and the thud of feet on a track will be familiar for many over the age of 50 Aug. 9-16 when the 29th annual Michigan Senior Olympics take place in Rochester.

According to Marye Miller, executive director of Rochester’s Older Persons’ Commission and chair of the MSO, events will be grouped by gender and age range, and contestants are as young as 50 or as old as in their 90s.

“People often think that when seniors get older, they don’t compete, and that’s not a true statement,” Miller said. “This is so good because it gives people an opportunity to get out and do what they love best. If more people throughout the country did this, I think we wouldn’t have the health care issues we have today.”

During the games, participants, such as 64-year-old retired computer software engineer Dick Manasseri, can win medals or ribbons for events in traditional competitions — swimming, cycling, and track and field — or unique ones — shuffleboard, bowling, bridge and disc golf.

In Manasseri’s case, it’s pickleball.

The Rochester Hills resident enjoys the sport, which is described as a cross between badminton, tennis and pingpong, and he plays four or five times a week.

The reason? He has a blast, he said.

“It’s just a lot of fun and very social,” Manasseri said. “The nice thing about it is it’s something you can play with your children and grandchildren.”

During this year’s Senior Olympics, Manasseri plans to play in all of the events pickleball is offered in, including men’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

“You’ve got people who are 65 or 75 playing,” Manasseri added. “It’s that little ball we chase around that makes our problems go away. When you’re focusing on the ball, your mind is clear and you’re thinking about nothing but that. You’re not focused on yesterday or tomorrow, you’re just playing the game. In that way, it’s therapy.”

In addition to more than 1,000 participating athletes, Miller said she expects to attract more than 400 volunteers and several hundred spectators during the week.

Rochester Hills resident Susan Stroud, 53, and her badminton partner Nancy Thoenes, also of Rochester Hills, are just two of many who plan to participate in this year’s Senior Olympics.

Before Stroud went to the OPC and got involved, she wasn’t sure what it would be like. Since she started playing the game more than three years ago, she hasn’t stopped, and has no desire to.

“It’s just been a great way to get in there and learn from other people,” Stroud said. “We have a good time, and you don’t even realize you’re exercising because you’re having so much fun.”

While most Olympic events will take place at or near the Older Persons’ Commission in Rochester, others will take place at Oakland University and within Rochester Community Schools facilities.

Final registration for participating in the 29th annual Michigan Senior Olympics is July 3. Men and women over the age of 50 who are interested in participating can call (800) 400-8161 or (248) 608-0250, or visit www.michiganseniorolympics.org to receive a registration booklet.

You can reach Staff Writer Jennifer S. McDonald at jmcdonald@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1112.