“Balls and Strikes” – March 2014 Athlete of the Month

Samuel “Doc” Morton, 76, of Newport News, Virginia Bowlers at the National Senior Games in Cleveland last year may have admired one athlete with a different approach. Samuel “Doc” Morton, 76, of Newport News, Virginia, took on all comers from a wheelchair. However, none would have guessed what a gifted athlete and true hero was

“Winning by Losing” – February 2014 Athlete of the Month

Dianna Laverdiere, 53, Charlotte, Michigan For the first half of her life, 53 year old Dianna Laverdiere of Charlotte, Michigan enjoyed good health and an active lifestyle. Then, her career job kept her at a desk. Marriage and raising three children provided some activity, and she made efforts to exercise and enjoy some bike riding.

“Really Cool Runnings” – January 2014 Athlete of the Month

Harris Richardson, 69, Sumter, South Carolina In the Caribbean the expression “cool runnings” means “peace be the journey.” For Trinidad born and raised runner and cyclist Harris Richardson, the saying took on a literal meaning because 28 of his 69 years have been spent working and living in less-than-balmy Alaska. As a young tradesman Harris landed

“Illinois Athlete Has the ‘Chi’ of the Tiger” – December 2013 Athlete of the Month

HUMANA Heroes: December 2013 Athlete of the Month Illinois Athlete Has the “Chi” of the Tiger Dorothy Sinson of Chicago has embraced challenges for her entire life. “When I went to Oak Park High School in the 1940’s the prevailing belief was that the pressures and athleticism of competing would interfere with a girl’s reproductive

“Heartfelt Thanks” – November 2013 Athlete of the Month

HUMANA Heroes: November 2013 Athlete of the Month Heartfelt Thanks On June 22nd, 2007, John Bates was having the time of his life, sharing a tennis court with his doubles partner and wife Janice Sullivan. They had traveled to Louisville, Kentucky from their home in east Tennessee to compete in the 2007 National Senior Games.

Family Extended

Fran Allison, 80, Kinston, NC & Jackie Allison, 56, Youngsville, NC Fran Allison’s motor never stops, and the energy has rubbed off on her family and everyone else around her. She played what high school sports were available for females in the early ’50s and her husband taught her to play tennis and golf, but

Greenville, North Carolina

Talk about a “family affair!” Bonds of affection and dedication could be felt throughout our visit to Greenville, and it went well beyond our Personal Best award presentation to 80 year old Fran Allison and her 56 year old daughter Jackie, made during a break in competition at the 20th annual North Carolina Senior Games

“Man of 1,000 Races” – October 2013 Athlete of the Month

HUMANA Heroes: October 2013 Athlete of the Month Man of 1,000 Races Experienced runners will tell you that it’s good to have a goal. But few goals are as remarkable as Don McMahill’s-that of competing in 1,000 races. The 77 year old retired YMCA director reached that ambitious milestone in the 5K race walk at

St. George, Utah

The spirit of perseverance, overcoming obstacles and offering a role model to others are key aspects of NSGA’s new definition of personal best. These are common traits with most senior athletes, and they show it in myriad ways. Case in point: John Morgan, Jr., the latest athlete featured when the Personal Best Tour visited The

Unexpected Gains

John Morgan, Jr., 90, Salt Lake City, Utah John Morgan, Jr. is first and foremost an entrepreneurial businessman. The role model was his father, who invited him to join as a partner in resource development ventures after John earned his degrees at the University of Utah and completed Army service in World War II. Their speculation