Published May 18. 2019 06:05AM
It all started with an idea to help Carbon County seniors stay active and make new friends.
That idea flourished over the next three decades, growing into the now two-week event that more than 200 men and women look forward to every year.
The 31st annual Carbon County Senior Games, held April 30 to May 9, was full of smiles, laughter, handshakes and cheering as the participants bowled, putted, threw, walked, bluffed and danced their way into the winner’s circles.
This year, for the first time ever, the games coordinators added a 90 and up category to both men’s and women’s divisions. Two men and nine women in their ninth decade around the sun showed that you are never too old to have fun.
The Times News was at many of the events, capturing the moments as participants from Lehighton, Weatherly, Jim Thorpe, Panther Valley and Palmerton senior centers competed and reminisced with friends that they made at the games.
Here is a look at some of the action in the annual competition.
Carbon County Senior Games participants Norman Engle of Palmerton, left; Harry Miller of Panther Valley, center; and Duane Costenbader of Palmerton, pose for a photo after medaling in the Philip Steigerwalt Memorial Walk. AMY MILLER/TIMES NEWS
Palmerton’s James Kindrew shoots during the basketball competition.
Bessie Bauchspies and Kitty Bartholomew, both of Lehighton, sit before the opening ceremony of the Carbon County Senior Games.
Bill James of Jim Thorpe eyes a shot during the billiards event.
Bruce Schnell of Lehighton, Dave Getz of Jim Thorpe, Judy Herman of Jim Thorpe and Louise Getz of Jim Thorpe laugh as they wait their turns in the miniature golf event at Heisler’s Dairy Bar in Tamaqua.
Dale Smith Jr. of Palmerton prepares to throw a beanbag during the cornhole toss competition.
The women of the 85 to 89 category are all smiles after they medaled in the Philip Steigerwalt Memorial Walk. From left are Charlotte Koenig of Palmerton, who took bronze; Shirley Stamm of Lehighton, gold; and Wanda McNichol of Jim Thorpe, silver.
Robert Henenlotter of Jim Thorpe accepts his medal in the outdoor field events.
Ronald Hensel of Weatherly prepares his shot during the shuffleboard event on Tuesday. See a photo gallery online with Tuesday’s events. AMY MILLER/TIMES NEWS