Clovis octagenarian advocates for Senior Olympics participation

One of the biggest advocates for the yearly Senior Olympics competition in Clovis is 81-year-old chiropractor Ken Lindsey.

"I'm a senior and I'm experiencing what seniors experience," Lindsey said when asked about his Senior Olympics interest. He'll be participating when the Senior Olympics get going April 24 through May 15.

Lindsey believes by seniors working together, Senior Olympics participants have a stronger value for life and a stronger passion for life.

"When we get together with a common goal that causes a change in our emotions," Lindsey said. "Emotions can be sadness, sorrow, things that bring us down. What brings us up is a common goal: Association... physically, mentally, and emotionally."

Lindsey has been participating in the Senior Olympics for about 12 years when he started in Arizona.

"I'm in shot put, men's singles in tennis, cornhole, shuffleboard, dancing and talent," Lindsey said.

In the talent competition Lindsey brings comedy.

"My wife and I do very funny skits, if you don't laugh at them, you're a sourpuss," Lindsey said. "But you can change that by joining the fun and athletics of our association."

Lindsey said the Clovis-Curry County 50-plus Senior Olympics has been around since 1984.

Lindsey said registrants can participate in track and field events like shot put, triple jump, discus, standing long jump, running long jump, javelin throwing, pole vaulting, high jump, racquetball. He said they can even participate in archery, swimming, cornhole, and badminton.

"We have a dancing and talent competition, 8-ball pool, frisbee accuracy and targeting, frisbee distance, horseshoes, pickleball, power walking, race walking, swimming, shuffleboard, soccer accuracy, table tennis and tennis," he said.

Winners don't walk away empty handed, according to Lindsey. He said they will get gold, silver and bronze medals.

Senior Olympic events will be held at various locations in Clovis city parks.

"The Dance and talent competition will be held at Clovis Community College's town hall," Lindsey said. "They let us use town hall at no charge because CCC recognizes the emotional and physical value to our area seniors."

Lindsey said participants compete against people the same age in 5-year increments.

The entry fee is $20 for up to 5 events. The minimum age is 50 years old.

"Registration has been extended to Tuesday," Lindsey said.

Lindsey added if folks have questions, they can call Marty Tressel at (575) 763-3377.