More than a dozen seniors participated May 14 in track and field events for Digby area’s annual Senior Games, starting with a mile-long walk around town.
But the fastest walker didn’t win.
“It’s called a timed walk,” said event coordinator Laurence Outhouse. “Everyone participating guesses how long they think it will take them--14 minutes, 20 minutes—and whoever has the closest time wins.”
“It’s good for seniors,” he said. “It’s not too hard on us, and it’s fun.”
Before the race started, all walkers had to take off their watches to keep things fair.
Dianne Outhouse, who has been organizing these games with her husband Laurence since 2000, came within five seconds of the time she guessed.
Outhouse said she would like to see more seniors come out to this event, and get active. “We especially need some younger seniors to get involved. We need different games that will get them interested.”
After the timed walk, there were friendly rounds of softball and Frisbee toss.
There was lots of laughter, as the athletes both heckled and cheered competitors.
Attendance at this year’s event was lower than usual, which some attributed to the lengthy detour on the Digby Neck highway Last year, the entire event was cancelled because of severe rain.
Digby has held a Senior Games every year for more than two decades. Anyone who is “50 or better” is welcome to participate.
Muriel Ritchie has been coming to the Senior Games from more than 17 years. “It’s just fun because we get to meet all different people and it’s a really good time. They show us a good time, you know.”
Digby Area Recreation Commission put on a barbeque lunch for participants at the Digby Curling Centre, which was then followed by the Games’ washer toss, which is arguably the most competitive event.
At the end of June, the regional competition, the Valley Senior Games, will be held in Saulnierville. In two years, Digby may host the regional event.
Awards for the Digby games were given out at a banquet Wednesday, May 16.
