ONE OF THE missions of Nevada Senior Games is to recognize seniors for their accomplishments. In this segment I wish to feature several seniors who have participated in our Games over several years, and who depict the spirit of Senior Olympics. By spanning across several sports, they also depict the versatility of our organization. Nevada Senior Olympics is for everyone over age 50 who has a desire to remain active and possesses a bit of the competitive spirit.

Steve Bowles, age 66 (pictured left running with NSG Director, Al McDaniels) quit smoking in 1996 and decided to get in shape. He runs the 50M, 100M, 200M, & 400M races and holds the Nevada State record in several events. He also runs in other Olympic Games around the country.

Dan Cravens, age 62, is a world class table tennis player. Five years ago Cravens took over the coordinator's job for the Annual Senior Olympics Table Tennis competition. Through his efforts, he has raised participation to well over one hundred competitors necessitating extending the competition to two days instead of the short one day event. Cravens also volunteers as an Ambassador for Nevada Senior Games along with his lovely Russian bride.



Kenny Rogers, age 80, isn't slowed down by the fact he is wheel chair bound. He won gold medals at the 2005 Senior Olympics in swimming and pistol shooting. He also participated at shuffleboard at the 2005 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh, PA. Rogers has been coordinating the pistol shooting competition for NSG the last three years.

Jackie (Gerd) Hitchcock, age 72, has been swimming with Nevada Senior Olympics for at least the ten years I've been involved with the organization. In 2005 she swam in seven events taking five gold medals and two silver. We imagine she must have a closet full of medals at home.

Marilyn Kirkpatrick, age 80, (pictured as she is about to cross the finish line) devotes lots of time to health and fitness. A past swimmer and track and field athlete, she now participates in the Walk-a-thon. At the 2005 Nevada Senior Olympics she won a gold medal completing the 1-1/2 mile course in 22.13 minutes. Marilyn is the wife of past director and president, Dale Kirkpatrick and has devoted many hours of volunteer service to NSG.

Simeon Holloway, age 84, (pictured along with Marilyn Kirkpatrick) is a perennial participant in the annual Nevada Senior Olympics. His sports are golf, walk-a-thon, and ballroom dance. When the schedules permit he has also participated in horseshoes and shuffleboard. He and his dance partner, Francell Morgan, were presented the "Style and Grace Award" for their dance performance at the 2005 Olympic Games.

Dee Fortunato, age 66, is a picture of style and grace as she glides around the rink. Undaunted by an injury from a fall two years ago, she took five gold and three silver medals in figure skating at the 2005 Nevada Senior Olympics. Dee is also active in the skating community in Las Vegas and was instrumental in rounding up quality skaters for the competition. We anticipate, with her input, roller skating will become another major event.