Merrimack Woman Takes Gold at Her First Senior Games

By Loretta Jackson

Gold, silver and bronze medals or blue-satin ribbons rewarded the best of some 500 adult competitors participating in the Granite State Senior Games, a 24^th annual, nonprofit event held at a variety of regional venues, Aug. 5-28. 

Among the victors at the Granite State Senior Games was Ellen Kolb, a first-time competitor and resident of Merrimack. She is an avid power walker and a member of the Gate City Striders, a running club with more than 700 members from Nashua and elsewhere. 

Kolb’s husband, Tom, 56, an engineer for BAE and a longtime competitor in running, was the first to inform her that power walking had been newly added to the GSSG roster. Also new this year was pickleball, a fast-paced racquet sport using paddles, whiffle-style balls and low, tennis-type nets.

Gold medalist Kolb, a legislative liaison for Cornerstone, a public-policy group in Concord, and mother of the couple’s five kids, ages 18-29, said she finds power walking a challenge that offers heavy-duty exertion yet is gentle on the body. The family plans vacations around sports events held in other cities and towns, so that the couple can compete while enjoying a new locale.

Kolb said the games are appealing because they offer friendly competition, focused on fitness and fun for athletes of all skill levels. A new age group, 45-49, was added this year to the track and field events as an incentive for those not quite 50 years old – the traditional age required for entry to the GSSG.

“The senior games offer a great way to get out there and have fun while doing something you love,” Kolb said. “Do what you can with what you’ve got – just keep moving and enjoy something fun that makes you feel good.”

This year’s GSSG, conducted as always by an all-volunteer board of directors and volunteers from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and elsewhere, drew sports lovers, including several age 90 or more, who signed up for as many of their favorite sports as desired.

Competitors engaged in sports ranging from swimming, cycling and golf to javelin throwing, racquet ball, horseshoes and pole vault. Others indulged in running races, table tennis, bowling and bulls-eye pistol shooting. Shuffleboard, archery, badminton and other sports found avid participants.

Next year’s Granite State Senior Games, held throughout August at venues mostly in the Greater Manchester area, are sure to be well celebrated as the 25^th annual GSSG event. Those inclined to participate, volunteer or offer sponsorship can find more information online at www.NHSeniorGames.org.