By Susan R. Wenner
Herald Publisher/Editor
National history has been made in Sanford as residents celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the Golden Age Games.
As the birthplace, Sanford’s Parks and Recreation Department proudly boasts of its contribution to the Senior Games movement in the United States.
According to Sanford Parks and Recreation Director, Dominic Pascuzzo, it was in 1975 that Sanford hosted the nation’s very first, multi-sport event designed specifically for individuals aged 50 and older, paving the way for what is now a nationwide tradition.
“Although the Games could not take place in 2020, our selection of sports and the number of participants continue to grow each year,” he added. “We’re excited to celebrate this milestone year. The Golden Age Games proudly launched the tradition of Senior Games and we are honored to be recognized as the Nation’s Oldest Senior Games. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic celebration filled with camaraderie, sportsmanship, and memories. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”
According to Sanford Herald Photographer, Tommy Vincent, the company “Post Cereal” sponsored the games for many years and brought senior stars and athletes as honorary celebrity chairmen. He cited that among those included names such as Buster Crabbe, movie and television star and Olympic swimmer. He also remembered it was called the Golden Age Olympics during the first few years. Sports Editor, Dean Smith also served as an announcer and umpire for the games.
"We’re proud to host the 50th Annual Golden Age Games here in Sanford. For fifty years, athletes from across the region have come together to celebrate their talent, energy and community spirit. This milestone is a true testament to the joy, dedication and inspiration our senior athletes bring to Sanford. Best of luck to everyone competing," said Sanford Mayor, Art Woodruff.
Registration is open to Oct. 5 and game competition is Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
Compete for your gold in any of these sports: Archery, Bag Toss (Cornhole), Basketball Shooting, Bowling, Golf, Pickleball, Shuffleboard, Swimming, Table Tennis and Track & Field.
Schedule of Games are as follows:
Thursday, Oct. 30
• Bag Toss/ Corn Hole Singles - 10 a.m. at Sanford Senior Center, 401 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford.
• Shuffleboard Singles & Open Doubles - 10 a.m. at Sanford Senior Center, 401 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford.
• Bowling Singles, Doubles, & Mixed Doubles- 11 a.m. at Airport Lanes,190 E. Airport Blvd, Sanford.
Friday, Oct. 31
•Pickleball Mixed Doubles - 8:30 a.m. at Groveview Park, 324 Springview Dr. #246, Sanford & Lee P. Moore, 106 Sweet Bay Dr, Sanford.
• Golf- Mayfair Country Club - 8:30 a.m. at 3536 Country Club Rd, Sanford.
Saturday, Nov. 1
• Pickleball Doubles - 8:30 a.m. at Groveview Park, 324 Springview Dr. #246, Sanford & Lee P. Moore, 106 Sweet Bay Dr., Sanford.
• Archery - 9 a.m. at Sanford Memorial Stadium, 1201 Mellonville Ave., Sanford.
• Basketball Shooting - 9 a.m. at Westside Community Center, 919 S. Persimmon Ave., Sanford.
Sunday, Nov. 2
• Track & Field - 9 a.m. at Seminole High School, 2701 Ridgewood Ave., Sanford.
• Swimming - 9 a.m. at Larry Dale Aquatic Center, 2701 Ridgewood Ave., Sanford.
• Table Tennis/ Singles, Doubles, & Mixed Doubles - 9 a.m. at Westside Community Center, 919 S Persimmon Ave, Sanford.
