Lapeer Old Timers hockey team takes to senior olympics

The Lapeer Oldtimers hockey team posed after their games in the Senior Olympics. Photo by Michelle Cornwall ROCHESTER— The Michigan Senior Olympics are a non-profit organization, which began in 1979, with its first competition taking place at the Pontiac Silverdome. In 2001, the committee decided to add the winter games, including sports such as ice hockey, bocce ball, pickleball, badminton, dancesport and weightlifting. The event’s website states that the games are ‘a leading advocate in the senior health and fitness area for the past thirty years.’ In fact, MSO is a member of the National Senior Games Association, which operates under the same format and guidelines. It is the only competition of which seniors can qualify to compete at the national games to represent the state of Michigan.

The program is designed for those age 50 and above in an attempt to enhance their quality of life, as they provide the seniors with ‘developing programs in physical fitness, nutrition and enhancing mental strength and sports skills.’ When the MSO began in 1979, only a handful of competitors were on hand for their inaugural games at the Silverdome. As recently as 2011, the MSO drew 1,100 participants for the annual event.

The games have grown throughout the years, as most athletic events do. However, when it comes to non-profit organizations, a lot of the success is accredited to sponsors, local businesses, donations and membership fees. According to the MSO website, “These funds not only support the games but also the clinics and quality programs which benefit and educate athletes at all levels of their sport.”

All-in-all, it’s just a great way for local old timers to not only stay in shape, but show they still have it, and in this case, it’s the Lapeer Old Timers. The Lapeer Old Timers are a local ice hockey team which competes in the annual tournament. A vast group of older gentlemen, the Old Timers include players from Lapeer, Davison, Attica, Lake Orion, Dryden, Davisburg, Holly, Fenton, Grand Blanc and Clio, as well as a few other various cities. To make sure the competition is on a level playing field, there are separate age groups. In this year’s competition, there were six teams that registered for the 60-year-old-andup division.

The three-day event often draws various and interesting crowds to come out and take in the action. “Pool play games draw in about 20-30 spectators and the final game has about 50 spectators,” said Becky Ridky, marketing and sponsorship director for the games. “The games took place Monday-Wednesday, January 30-February 1, 2012. Games started at 9 a.m. and ended by 1:30 p.m.”

The honorary chairman of the entire event is Detroit Red Wings hall-offamer Ted Lindsay, who won four Stanley Cups during his time in the big leagues. Lindsay presented the winning teams with their medals and trophies. First place went to Bruno’s Dive Shop, second to the OPC Mavericks, and third to Westbrook Engineering.

“I think it is a really great experience for all the seniors involved,” said Anna Sievewright, an MSO Intern from Central Michigan University. “They really enjoy the competition and it helps keep them healthy. The players are really intense and you would never know their age by watching them play. Overall, the Senior Olympics are an inspiration to me.”