NH Senior Games off to a ‘lucky’ start

NASHUA, NH –  Greely Park was the scene of the kick-off of the 30^th annual NH Senior Games, with the annual Horseshoe Tournament held June 25.  A dedicated group of athletes competed in singles and doubles with several stand-out performances.

Gloria Benjamin, 89, captured a gold medal in the 85-89 singles division. The Goffstown resident, who has been taking part in senior sports for many years, says she not only enjoys the competition, but also the camaraderie that comes with sports.  

⇒ Related story: NH Athletes Shine at National Senior Games

“You are able to meet the nicest people at the events,” said Ms. Benjamin.  “Sports really bring people together.”  Ms. Benjamin also competes in Pickleball and Shuffleboard, both of which will be held later this summer as part of the NH Senior Games (see schedule below).

Paul Yankowskas, 60, of Londonderry, struck gold twice with a gold medal in the 60-64 singles division and a gold medal in the 60-64 doubles division where he teamed up with Harold Turner of Nashua.  A veteran of numerous competitions, Mr. Yankowskas has participated in Senior Games events in all six New England States, as well as New York.  Among his many personal highlights was a Bronze Medal in shuffleboard in the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis.

“I like testing myself in different sports,” he said.   

This summer, Mr. Yankowskas plans to compete in several more sports including track and field events, bowling, shuffleboard and the 5K road race.  Earlier this year, he also walked the Gate City Marathon. 

“These games are a fantastic way to stay active and social,” he said.  “I highly recommend taking part.”

Results from 2017 NHSG Horseshoe Tournament

Singles

60-64: Gold Medal – Paul Yankowskas, Londonderry

70-74: Gold Medal –Brad Topolewski, Penacook

75-79:  Gold Medal –Harold Turner, Nashua; Silver Medal – Roger Stevens, Concord; Bronze Medal –Dave Baldessari, Candia

80-84: Gold Medal –Ed Brooks, Salem

85-89: Gold Medal – Gloria Benjamin, Goffstown

Doubles

60-64: Gold Medal- Yankowskas/Turner

70-74: Gold Medal -Topolewski/Stevens

75-79: Gold Medal -Baldessari/Brooks

The New Hampshire Senior Games continue through Labor Day and receive support from major sponsor Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Supporting sponsors include: John Castelot Financial Planning, Lamprey Health Care and Havenwood Heritage Heights.

The remaining NH Senior Games events are listed below. To learn more or register for upcoming events, please visit www.nhseniorgames.org.

About the New Hampshire Senior Games

The mission of the New Hampshire Senior Games (NHSG), formerly known as the Granite State Senior Games (GSSG) is to promote, organize and effectively develop physical challenges, as they relate to the NH Masters Athlete and the 50+ population of the state of New Hampshire, undertake related activities benefitting the well-being of adults as appropriate and focusing on the development of active and healthy lifestyles.  Our mission is accomplished by encouraging fitness and by providing athletic competition in a variety of sports, clinics and creative pursuits.

Founded in 1987, Granite State Senior Games, Inc. is a not-for-profit (501c-3) all volunteer sports and fitness organization governed by a Board of Directors. The Granite State Senior Games’ (GSSG’s) sporting events are now known as the New Hampshire Senior Games (NHSG).  We are New Hampshire’s premier multi-sport event for the 50+ population. NHSG is the only New Hampshire organization in the state to be sanctioned by the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) to qualify senior athletes for participation in the National Senior Games held every two years.  To learn more, please visit www.nhseniorgames.org.