NEWS RELEASE
HENDERSON, KY, September 8, 2016– The 33rd-annual Henderson Senior Games opened Thursday morning, Sept. 8, with a short ceremony marking the opening followed by the first event: Washers in Central Park.
Gathering Place Director Phillip Fowler welcomed participants and introduced dignitaries who showed up in support of the Games, including Gathering Place Board Chairman Butch Puttman, Gary Coberg of Methodist Hospital, County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider, state Sen. Dorsey Ridley, state Rep. Dr. David Watkins and Henderson Mayor Steve Austin.
Methodist Hospital Mary Wrye delivered the invocation, reminding all of the things to be thankful for in being able to host and participate in such Games.
Puttman, representing the Gathering Place senior center (the chief organizer of the Games), also welcomed all who attended the opening.
“We appreciate all of you who participate and we hope you find an activity to compete in,” he said.
Coberg expressed his appreciation in seeing an event promoting community health and wellness. “Compete, socialize and be well,” he said.
Ridley suggested that “divine intervention” for a successful Games had been delivered during the opening since a butterfly landed on Fowler’s shoulder during his opening remarks.
“You’ve got a great day to start,” Ridley said, noting that the weather forecast had been for rain but that the morning was fair, “so let the Games begin.”
Watkins added that the Henderson Senior Games continues to be one of the largest in the state of Kentucky and offered his congratulations for achieving that status.
Austin welcomed all to the City’s downtown Central Park, the site of the first event, and wished them a great Games. Events will take place in other City parks through Thursday, Sept. 15.
Schneider delivered a proclamation – less serious than some proclamations – on behalf of Henderson Fiscal Court.
He called the local Games a “Mecca of Senior Center activity” and advised competitors to get out there and “kick butt” of even their closest friend and closest neighbor.
Events in this year’s Games in addition to washers include bowling, pool, table tennis, one-mile walk, cornhole, basketball shooting, horseshoes, bridge, lawnbowling, croquet, darts, pinochle, football throw, lawn darts and softball throw.
