By SYDNEE ANDERSON
The Progress
The Mesquite Senior Games held its annual Track and Field meet at the Virgin Valley High School on Saturday, Mar. 23.
Members of the VVHS track team volunteered to help run the many events at the meet.
The event is for competitors over the age of fifty-five. Many people from all different age ranges competed in the events.
In total, fifty people registered in the meet. The event featured all the traditional track events as well as some less familiar including javelin throw, softball throw, the 5000 meter run and more.
The event started bright and early at 9 am with the 5000 meter run. This was followed up by many more events which took place concurrently at the facility.
Participants came from far and wide to compete in these events. Richard Stanton, a participant in the 400m, 80m, 1500m, and 3000m runs, came from Las Vegas to compete. “I wanted to keep in shape doing something,” he said.
VVHS track team members helped to time and score the many events and even helped coach people who needed help with their events. It was a great opportunity to connect past track teams to the current one.
One MSG pole vaulter when talking to current VVHS team members, said “You guys got real potential!”
Some people even branched out and tried events they’d never done before just to get out of their comfort zone.
“I’m doing javelin, discus, shot put, 50m, and 100m,” said attendee Patty Baker. “I love to throw the hammer but I can’t do it today, so I’m trying the shotput which I don’t usually do.”
This gave the VVHS track team an opportunity to share their skills and teach others.
When asked about his experience with the senior games, Christopher Young said “I’m 70 years old and I’m doing the pole vault and the 100 yard dash. I really appreciate the Mesquite organization for arranging it and for all the taxpayers for this nice facility! It’s been an amazing event!”
The event connected the MSG athletes with their pasts and gave them an opportunity to get out and show their strengths.
To wrap up the event, Sandy Tutor, president of the senior games board, said “The games have gone great! We’ve had a lot of participation from people who haven’t come before. All in all, nothing bad to say.”
