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NEWS!
Golden Day: MSO Day at State House a Huge Success
“Maryland Senior Olympics Day” in Annapolis Feb. 8 was a huge success as we received three proclamations from state government, raised the profile of senior wellness and fitness, and the athletes visited with legislators en masse for the first time since the organization was founded in 1980.
MSO Executive Director Ted Wroth, left, and MSO Commission Chairman Henry Dahlen show off the Governor's Proclamation.
"A great day, a very successful day,” said Ted Wroth, executive director of Maryland Senior Olympics. “After all these years, state government was finally able to place names and faces to the symbol and mission of ‘Maryland Senior Olympics.’ No one was disappointed. The reception of our athletes was tremendous.”In fact, runner Tami Graf of Lusby, MSO age-group recordholder in the 800- and 1,500-meter runs, and 5k and 10k races, was already well-known by her state representative, Del. Anthony O’Donnell (R-District 29C). He has seen her running along the paths and roads of Southern Maryland for years.

“I already knew who Mrs. Graf was because I had passed by her so many times,” he said. “When she called for an appointment [in my office], I was excited to sit down and meet with her.”

Co-sponsored by Del. Sheila Hixson (D-District 20) and Sen. Edward Kasemeyer (D-District 12), “Maryland Senior Olympics Day” featured a delegation of 37 MSO athletes and officials going to the State House for the big day. We received a proclamation from Gov. Martin O’Malley naming Feb. 8, 2011 as “Maryland Senior Olympics Day in Maryland.”

Then, athletes Elizabeth Hogan of Upper Marlboro (swimming), Reggie Grier of Forestville (multiple sports) and Kate Fisken of Bethesda (swimming), represented MSO to receive proclamations of recognition in the House and Senate chambers. The athletes, and MSO members in the gallery, received approving applause from the legislators.

Richard Paschke of Timonium is not only an MSO recordholder in archery, he's a 2009 National Senior Games gold medalist.
Grier, 83, seemed to hold the audience in his hand. When his first name was misidentified, he interrupted and corrected the speaker. Everyone laughed as Mr. Grier smiled. House speaker Michael Busch (D-District 30) gushed at the accomplishments of the athletes. Then, one delegate on the floor joked, “How did they get through security?” when he saw all the medals the athletes were wearing around their necks.

Perhaps the funniest moment happened on the Senate floor, when one senator spied Mr. Grier and his medals, turned to a colleague behind him and grinned, "Look at that guy. You've got him by 10 years and what have you done?"

Mr. Grier, Mrs. Fisken and Ms. Hogan did TV interviews afterward, then the real business of the day began.

After the State House ceremonies, MSO athletes then swarmed the halls and corridors to visit their state representatives, hand out MSO information and gift bags, and talk about the importance of the Maryland Senior Olympics. MSO does not receive state funding and did not ask for financial assistance, at this time.

“We wanted the athletes to make a direct appeal to their delegates and senators to remind them the Maryland Senior Olympics are still in existence and providing a healthy activity for seniors,” Wroth added. “I believe it worked. As I passed out MSO gift bags to a few legislative offices where we didn’t have a representing athlete, I was greeted with a warm smile and words of encouragement about our program.”
Sen. Joan Carter Conway (center) was happy to see Ray Hoffmann and Carmen Campbell drop by her office.
It was amazing to see the enthusiasm of the senior athletes as they swarmed the halls with their medals clanging, running shoes kicking back into the air and MSO attire clearly visible. Sen. Joan Carter Conway (D-District 43) was chairing a committee when she was advised that representatives from MSO were in her office. She hustled out of her meeting for a few quick words and congratulations for the big day.

Del. Joseph Vallario (D-District 27A) was especially magnanimous of his time and attention. He asked a lot of good questions about the Maryland Senior Olympics, and we were forthrght in answers.

“I believe we accomplished our primary goal of raising our exposure with the state, and this will become just a stepping stone in our efforts this coming year,” Wroth said.

For more information about Maryland Senior Olympics, e-mail us at info@mdseniorolympics.org or call 240-777-8080.

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