From a press release
Delaware County was proud to congratulate the nearly 500 athletes who participated in the 32nd annual Delaware County Senior Games during the Winner’s Circle Luncheon held at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center in Drexel Hill on July 19.
Delaware County Senior Games Committee Co-chairs Marc Manfre, director of Parks & Recreation, and Barbara S. Nicolardi, director of the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) joined County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders Jr. and over 200 Delaware County Senior Games participants and volunteers to celebrate another successful year of the games.
The games, held from June 13 to June 24 at venues across the county, concluded with the traditional final day of track and field events held at Garnet Valley High School in Glen Mills. This year’s games featured 471 athletes, ages 51-94, competing in 12 different sports, including Bocce, Bowling (singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team), Corn Hole, Golf (9 and 18 holes), Mini-Golf, Pickleball, Swimming, Shuffleboard, Table Tennis, Track and Field, and Wii Bowling.
“The Senior Games provide a healthy and fun experience to our residents, and Council commends Barb Nicolardi and Marc Manfre for another great year,” said Delaware County Chair Monica Taylor Ph.d.
The total of 471 athletes represents a significant increase from last year’s total of 331, a reduced number due in part to the limited nature of the 2021 games that were pared down to comply with COVID-19 guidance. “I think this shows the staying power and value of these games,” said Nicolardi.
“Congratulations to this year’s participants. It was wonderful to attend the games and witness the camaraderie, athleticism and competition!” said Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer.
The resident athletes in attendance at the luncheon were eager to thank the County for the popular event. Eighty-two-year-old Upper Darby resident Esteban Abarintos, a gold medalist in multiple sports including mixed doubles table tennis, was thrilled to participate in the games. “I’m so grateful to the County and the people who planned these games,” he said. “I was suffering from diabetes, but I began playing sports, and now no more diabetes! These games are the best medicine.”
Delaware County Council thanks the many residents, competitors, volunteers, staff members, and host locations that made the 2022 games a success. A list of winners, along with pictures and information about the 2023 games, will be made available on the Senior Games website at www.delcoseniorgames.org.
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