HISTORY!
The Maryland Senior Olympics was created in early 1980 through joint efforts of the Baltimore County and Maryland State Commission on Physical Fitness. Through the state commission, and under the leadership of Dr. Robert Zeigler, vice chairman of the Baltimore County Physical Fitness Commission and professor of physical education at Towson State University, the first competition was held on Oct. 4, 1980, at Towson State with approximately 300 athletes for a one-day event.
The success of early state programs such as Maryland’s led to the creation of the biennial National Senior Games in 1985. The national games, a competition for winners of local and regional seniors games, has grown into over 80 member events representing all 50 states, plus France, Germany and Canada, and approximately 250,000 participants.
As the national games grew, the local and state games became even stronger. With an amazing joint effort of local and state commissions, plus a wide band of loyal volunteers, Maryland became a leader in the field of program development for seniors. The state has sent several thousand champions to participate in the National Games with Maryland producing numerous national championship teams and individuals through the years.
Today, more than 2,000 athletes compete in the Maryland Senior Olympics. Events are held for men and women in about 20 sports and more than three dozen events. Age-group competitions are conducted for mature adults from age 50 into their 80s and above. But as Dr. Zeigler liked to say, the Maryland Senior Olympics strives to provide opportunities for everyone, not just the gifted athlete. Our logo statement, "To Participate Is to Win," was chosen carefully to symbolize our purpose and our commitment to all senior athletes in Maryland.
While the object of any competition is to win, the underlying premise of the Senior Games is to encourage participation within a spirit of goodwill and camaraderie—win or lose. This is not to say that winning is unimportant; however, to train, set goals and strive toward them as an active participant gives greater meaning than medals to the true significance of the Senior Games. But the competition also attempts to challenge the elite athlete. It is imperative the Senior Olympics serve all athletes, with a variety of offerings to meet every competitive appetite.
Upon the retirement of long-time leaders Dr. Zeigler, Bob Eickenberg and Phil Adams, the Maryland Games needed a new home. An arrangement was made with Salisbury State, hosts of the Eastern Shore Senior Games, to also host the 2006 state competition. But participation was poor with many athletes citing the driving distance.
But in late 2007, Montgomery County agreed to become administrator of the Maryland Senior Olympics, a passing of the baton from one great era to a new one. The 2008 Games will be held in late summer and fall with venues throughout the state.
The intergenerational bond the games have created is an incredible phenomenon to witness. There is an increasing interest and contagious enthusiasm being experienced by those participating and by those who come in support. The camaraderie developed through competition has shown itself to be as magnetic of a force as the game or sport. As a result, the Senior Olympics has begun to etch its place into the American sports scene. Very shortly, the Games will have permanently engraved a well-deserved place of recognition and honor.
