(Santa Fe) – New Mexico’s Aging and Long-Term Services Department is congratulating the more than 1,100 athletes who competed in the 36th Annual New Mexico Senior Olympics in Roswell.
Each of the competitors has an inspiring story to share.
Colleen Burns from McIntosh has been competing in New Mexico’s Senior Olympics for more than 15 years. Burns, who is 64, and her 91-year-old mother Mary Kirsling both competed in this year’s events.
“I feel good, and want to set an example for younger people, that as you get older, you don’t stop because you get to a certain age,” said Burns, who competed in swimming and track competitions this year.
Burns not only competed, she took Gold in ten of the eleven events she participated in the Senior Olympics.
She says a sciatic problem during this year’s 100 meter dash led to her first ever Bronze medal at New Mexico’s Senior Olympics.
“It’s humbling. As you get older, you have to deal with things that you didn’t have to deal with when you were younger,” said Burns.
She will go on to compete at the National competition in Minnesota next year, and so will her mother.
“It keeps you young, and it’s great for quality of life,” says Burns.
As for her mother, who will turn 92 in August – she competed in the 1500, 800, and 400 meter races, and the 5 K. She won Gold in each race for those in the 90-plus category.
Burns casually says of her mom, “She holds a couple national records, too.”
The New Mexico Senior Olympic Games consisted of 26 sports, and 90 events. About 170 new athletes competed in this year’s games. People 50 and older competed by age group.
“I want to congratulate everyone who participated in this year’s Summer Games, as well as the volunteers from all over our state who made this event possible,” said Aging and Long-Term Care Services Cabinet Secretary Gino Rinaldi. “New Mexico Senior Olympics sponsors events all year long, all across New Mexico that encourage people 50 and older to live active lifestyles. I strongly encourage people to look into these programs and begin participating. It’s a great way to improve your quality of life.”
New Mexico Senior Olympics, headquartered in Roswell, is funded in part by the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department.
For more information about New Mexico’s Senior Olympics, call 1-888-623-NMSO or visit nmseniorolympics.org
Information from New Mexico DOH