Senior Olympics Hit Silver Spring: A Q&A With Executive Director

The Maryland Senior Olympics, an annual series of events held since 1980, came to Silver Spring on Monday afternoon for its shuffleboard tournament. Ted Wroth, executive director of the Senior Olympics, retired from a career in sports management, but he got back in the game three years ago when he began overseeing the Olympics.

Silver Spring Patch: Tell us a little about yourself and why you became involved in the Senior Olympics

Ted Wroth: Well, I'm a senior for one. I have a background in sports management and retired five years ago from Montgomery County Recreation. I worked in the Adult Sports Office, helping with major sports events.

Patch: Who participates in the Olympics?

Wroth: This year games opened to out-of-state residents in all events so participation increased 5 to 10 percent but it really depends on the event. Silver Spring's shuffleboard tournament was predominantly in-state.

Patch: What kind of events are there?

Wroth: There are 20 sports and 120 events, such as three-on-three basketball, and track and field. The Olympics lasts from Labor Day through the first week of November.

Patch: What's your favorite event?

Wroth: The only one I participate in is golf. I'm not in good enough shape right now. I know it's not a good excuse, but I don't have enough time with all the planning.

Patch: How do you advertise?

Wroth: Ads are limited because funding is limited. We publish a booklet and website.

Patch: Silver Spring's shuffleboard tournament was held at Leisure World. What kind of involvement did Leisure World have in the tournament?

Wroth: Leisure World residents helped run shuffleboard. Montgomery County Recreation staff was also there. Most people working the events were volunteers.

Patch: What was enrollment like in the tournament?

Wroth: Not as many as in past years. There were about 25 to 30 athletes primarily from Leisure World. They have a shuffleboard club there and the right facilities.

Patch: Do athletes receive any sort of prizes for winning the events?

Wroth: For the first three winners there are gold, silver and bronze medals in shuffleboard and in other events. After that, fourth, fifth, and sixth place winners receive ribbons.

Patch: If there is one message you would want to send out about the Senior Olympics, what it is?

Wroth: It's important to continue doing this for this age group. We've had people of all abilities participate. We've had people on wheelchairs and walkers. This isn't just for athletes.

For more information about the Maryland Senior Olympics, visit http://www.mdseniorolympics.org/. 

To keep up with local sports, visit www.twitter.com/patchsportsmd.