The Oak Park Arms will be hosting its annual Senior Olympics on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. To kick off the event, Monroe Saffold who is Mr. America 1990 will give the keynote address. Returning as host is David Williams, a fitness instructor at Oliver Wendell Holmes School.
Senior Olympics events include:
• 10:30 a.m. - A community “Walk & Roll” (roll because of walkers and wheelchairs)
• 11 a.m. – Keynote address by Monroe Saffold, Mr. America 1990
• High noon – Let the games begin!
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Games include ring toss, bean bag toss, horseshoes, egg walk, parachute throw and creative relay races.
“Last year, the Walk & Roll was a wonderful sight,” said Desi Vasquez, activities director at the Oak Park Arms, “because all generations were represented.”
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In the 1980s, Monroe Saffold started competing in open bodybuilding and weightlifting tournaments. He won a number of championships most notably in 1983 where he took third place in the Junior Mr. America AAU. He persevered, and in 1990, he won first place in the Masters Mr. America AAU competition.
He furthered his passion for the body by receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and a minor in Biological Sciences from The University of Illinois in Chicago.
In years since, Saffold has given back to the community having taught at various community colleges and high schools throughout Chicago. He currently teaches science and physical education at Lane Tech High School and is also a minister at First Baptist Church in Oak Park.
Participants of any age are warmly welcome to take part in the Senior Olympics. Also enthusiastic crowds are needed to cheer on the senior athletes.
“We need people to cheer for the participants,” Vasquez said. “If you can whistle, holler or clap, please come.”
The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The event is free and open to the public. Call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040 or visit http://www.oakparkarms.com.
