Seniors advance to state
A group of Warren Countians will be “hooping” it up in state competition, after advancing through the district round of the Tennessee Senior Games.
JoAn Cantrell and Isabel Smith each won gold medals in the basketball free throw competition at the Upper Cumberland District games, which were held last Friday in Crossville. Cantrell’s gold came in the 65-69 age group, while Smith won the 70-74 division.
In addition to the two gold medalists, Warren County also brought home silver-medal honors, as Carolyn Lance advanced to the state championships in the 65-60 division.
While the three free throw medalists earned their individual honors, they’ll be teaming up to pursue even more gold when the state games begin at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville.
The team of Cantrell, Smith, Lance, Barbara Turner and Betty Eaton earned a bye through district competition in the 3-on-3 basketball event, and will compete for the state title in that event, as well. Their team is coached by Dewey Cantrell.
The basketball portions of the state games are scheduled for July 23, as part of a week-long celebration of events and social functions.
The Tennessee Senior Games is an Olympic-style sporting event for individuals age 50 and older. Their mission is to promote healthy lifestyles for seniors through fitness, sports, and an active involvement in life.
Official sports include: archery, badminton, basketball free throw, basketball 3-on-3, bowling, cycling, field events, golf, horseshoes, racquetball, road races (5K and 10K), shuffleboard, softball throw, softball teams, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track events, and volleyball teams. Individuals compete within 5-year age groups starting at age 50.
Ten districts across the state hold events in the spring of each year with the top four finalists in each age group advancing to the state finals each summer.
State finalists qualify for the National Senior Games held every other year. This year is a qualifying year for the 2003 National Senior Games, which are scheduled for May, 2003, in Hampton Roads, Va.