The 2016 Personal Best health and wellness initiative took to the road with a presentation to 60-year-old Colorado athlete Tom McAdam at the Celebration of Athletes kickoff event for the 39th annual Rocky Mountain Senior Games held in Greeley, Colorado.
After introductions by RMSG President and NSGA Board Vice Chair Kate Amack (shown in award photo), CEO Marc T. Riker told assembled athletes and spectators Tom McAdam’s story (posted on Personal Best Page) about how he got involved in Senior Games as a way to honor his 95-year-old father Bob McAdam, a retired fitness educator and racquetball hall of famer. “Tom encouraged other family members to join in, and his brother in Minnesota did,” Riker explained. “As a result, Brian McAdam was able to reverse weight gain and the side effects from neck and back operations. Then Brian’s children were inspired and are now competitive swimmers. It shows you never know how your actions will positively impact others.”
Tom agreed, and talked about both the social and fitness benefits of his involvement. Being 60 years old, he said he frequently gets surprised reactions from people when he mentions his activity. “People tell me I don’t look like I’m old enough to be in Senior Games. I tell them I look like this because I am in Senior Games.”
Following the presentation and athletes’ oath to open the 39th annual Rocky Mountain Senior Games, McAdam lit the cauldron and led athletes on a torch march with athletes bearing signs of the sports being played.
Over two days Riker and NSGA PR staffer Del Moon visited seven sport venues and met some great athletes…as we always do! Here are some snapshots from the visit:
Tom introduced us to swimmer Kent Carney, who was captain of his USC swim team in 1967 and is mentioned in a humorous vignette shared by Tom in the Personal Best story.
Joseph Ernie Jemello enjoyed his first experience competing at the Rocky Mountain Senior Games, and brought his own cheering section. He is flanked by his sister Tina (left), Riker and friend Kelley Norris. Ernie, who is 4’9″, talked his way into the Marine Corps on a height waiver and may be the shortest person to serve. More family and friends are talking about going to Birmingham for Team Jemello to make a big impact.
Marc Riker admires the Nepal hat of 81-year-old Eddie Schneider of Littleton, Co. Schneider climbed to the final base camp of Mt. Everest in 2010 at 75, and also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro when he was 65. No wonder he wasn’t too winded running at a mile high altitude!
You never know where that darn racquetball will go, as these gents find during doubles matches held at the Greeley Recreation Center.
Thanks for a great visit Colorado athletes, staff and volunteers!
