By Abigail Polvadore

Contributing Writer

AHOSKIE – “On your mark, get set, go!” These are familiar words one usually hears to begin a race in track and field involving trained athletes.

Perhaps one would not envision senior citizens locked in a dual on the track. However, the truth is that they are just as energetic and highly competitive.

On a bright Thursday morning, excitement was in the air at the Creekside Care and Rehabilitation Center as the facility hosted their first Senior Olympics event in Ahoskie. A host of local officials, including the town’s mayor, the Ahoskie Chief of Police and the Ahoskie Fire Chief, joined the Hertford County High School JROTC, Ridgecroft School band and HCHS cheerleaders in kicking off Creekside’s Senior Olympics.

Both senior citizens and students from Bearfield Primary School participated in the action packed games. Team competitions were held between the Creekside Bears, Scotland Manor Tigers, and the Community Hospital Caring Cats. Each team showed an outstanding amount of team spirit.

Among those participating were seniors Fred Privott and Robert Vinson, both residents at Creekside.

Privott competed in the wheel chair race. When asked about the events that he took part in, Privott replied, “I feel proud and important to know what I have accomplished today, that I have helped these residents here at Creekside.”

Privott added that it is important to stay active at any age because, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it; being active will also help your mind focus more on your daily activities,” he stressed.

The “king of Wii Bowling” at Creekside, also known as Robert Vinson, competed in the popular event. Vinson is a very confident bowler, practicing for almost two months for the Olympics. He successfully conquered the competition with his winning attitude saying, “I know I will defeat the other teams!”

Vinson brings that same winning attitude towards his other favorite games, bingo and checkers.

The participants were selected after community meetings where try-outs were held among the residents. Finally the resident council selected the color of the t-shirts, team mascot, and theme song.

Creekside houses 151 residents, ranging in age from late 50’s to 101. In addition to the senior Olympics, regular activities are held daily, such as music and exercise, balloon volleyball, and putt-putt.

One important part of Thursday’s program was remembering the victims of 9/11 on the 13^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America. After opening remarks from Evelyn May, Mayor Lassiter and a prayer by Reverend Roy Faison, a moment of silence was held in honor of the victims and families of 9/11.

The 9/11 tribute also included a presentation to local first responders. Accepting on their behalf were Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh, Ahoskie Fire Chief Ken Dilday, and James Broglin, Director of Hertford County Emergency Medical Services.

The organizers of the Senior Olympics wish to say a special thank you to the sponsors that helped make it a great success. The sponsors included Metal Tech of Murfreesboro, Lassiter’s Portable Toilets, Ace Hardware of Ahoskie, Browns Trucking, Canteen of Rocky Mount, Central Ford, McDonalds of Ahoskie, Mobilex USA, Nutrition Plus, P&G Graffix, Pepsi of Elizabeth City, Pharmerica, Piggly Wiggly of Ahoskie, Rose Brothers’ Paving, Town of Ahoskie, Wal-Mart of Ahoskie, and Woodland National Guard Armory.

It was a great day for Creekside, Scotland Manor and Community Hospital, and a great day for the community.