For some masters athletes, the allure of first place or a world record is a main motivator to enter the National Senior Games. It’s an opportunity to better oneself, fuel competitive fires and learn what one can achieve. Taking home gold is an award representative of the time and effort it takes to stay in top form as we age.
While the medals are certainly motivational, they aren’t always the focus of athletes over the age of 50. Countless athletes have professed that it’s the social and health benefits that keep them returning the National Senior Games. When camaraderie and longevity take center stage, the physical reward of a medal just becomes the icing on the cake for some athletes.
George Freeman is one of only two people to have competed in every single National Senior Games event since they began in 1987. “The people are the reason I keep coming back,” Freeman said this past summer in Pittsburgh.
The 91-year-old has amassed dozens of medals over more than three decades of competition in bowling, track & field, golf and shuffleboard; but most of them have been given away with a message in mind. A few years earlier, Freeman revealed to the NSGA that he had been working with his daughter, who was an elementary school teacher, to hand the medals down to worthy students.
“What she does is give a student a medal for good character. She makes them write a ‘thank you’ letter to me before they can receive it. It’s a great way to give out the medals, I just think it’s great,” Freeman said.
These medals are a way for Freeman to pass on an inspiring message and share his memories of competing throughout his entire life with the next generation. It’s an example that the entire world can learn from.
We all have cherished belongings in our house that begin to take up space. Jewelry, clothing, musical instruments, trophies, antiques and more can clutter our lives, but offer an opportunity to share memories with our younger loved ones.
