Eight-year-old Clovis supports participation in the Senior Olympics

Among the biggest supporters of Clovis’ annual Senior Olympics on April 15 is 81-year-old chiropractor Ken Lindsey.

“I’m a senior and I’m going through what seniors go through,” Lindsey said when asked about her interest in the Senior Olympics. He will participate when the Senior Olympics begin from April 24 to May 15.

Lindsey believes that thanks to seniors doing things together, the participants of the Senior Olympics will have a stronger value of life and a stronger passion for life.

“When we come together on a common goal that makes a difference in how we feel,” Lindsey said. “Feelings can be sadness, grief, things that bring us down. What lifts us up is a shared goal: reunification…physically, mentally and emotionally.”

Lindsey has been participating in the Senior Olympics for about 12 years, starting in Arizona.

“I’m in shot put, men’s singles tennis, cornhole, shuffleboard, dance and talent,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey brings comedy to the talent show.

“My wife and I do very funny skits, if you don’t laugh at them, you’re a sourpuss,” Lindsey said. “But you can change that by joining our association for fun and sport.”

Lindsey said the Clovis-Curry County Over 50 Olympics has been around since 1984.

Lindsey said registrants can participate in track and field events such as shot put, triple jump, discus, standing long jump, running long jump, javelin, pole vault, high jump and racquetball. He said they can even participate in archery, swimming, cornhole and badminton.

“We have dance and talent competitions, 8-ball pool, frisbee accuracy and targeting, frisbee travel, horseshoes, salt ball, power walk, race walk, swimming, shuffleboard, soccer accuracy, table tennis and tennis,” he said.

According to Lindsey, the winners don’t walk away empty-handed. He said they will get gold, silver and bronze.

Story continues

Senior Olympic events are held at various locations in Clovis City Parks.

“The dance and talent competition will be held at Clovis Community College Town Hall,” Lindsey said. “They let us use City Hall at no charge because CCC recognizes the emotional and physical value to seniors in our area.”

Lindsey said participants compete against people of the same age every five years.

Entry fee is $20 for up to five events. The minimum age is 50 years.

“Registration has been extended to Tuesday,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey added that if people have questions, they can call Marty Tressel at (575) 763-3377.