Manassas Park Community Matters Blog Post - Something’s Just Won’t Ever Retire – By Mike Arrington

July is a special month for me, happens to be my birthday month.  I sit here writing this blog thinking over all my many moons of sports activities that include lots of accomplishments and also many failures. So I thought what better topic to discuss than participating in sports as an older adult.

I have children and one of my great joys as a parent is going out and playing catch, kicking the soccer ball or shooting hoops with them.  I also have coached their teams.  As they get older, watching the games gets more fun.  But watching them play also gives me the itch to continue playing sports in my personal time. To show them that “Dad” wasn’t so bad back in his day and all the stories I tell them of my past exploits aren’t entirely false, though I stretch the truth sometimes (lol).  It also gives me the opportunity to after telling them what to do on the field in their games go out and let them see me put my money where my mouth is.

For me taking the risk of getting injured is worth it, I enjoy playing sports in my older adult years because I feel young again.  Nothing is more satisfying than playing against some younger version of Lebron James or Ray Lewis and taking them to school, if only for a play or game. Even when I’m sore the next day, I feel like I’m young again and not giving into my age.  Those competitive juices come back, except you’re a little smarter.  The game slows down a little literally and figuratively.  The stupid rash plays you made as a youth are now more under control.  Your skills become second nature and just like riding a bike, you never forget them.  They might have eroded a little, but they’re still in you and there will be some things you can do better.  When I leave the court or the field, I always feel like I had fun.  Sometimes it’s tough to get up for a 9 or 10 PM game, but once you’re there, it’s worth it.

So as I celebrate my 30-something birthday this month I encourage all adults to stay active whether it’s for personal fitness, competition or for your children. Be the example of physical health they need to see to guide them through their sporting endeavors or simply get out there and have some fun! MPCC offers a wide variety of sports and recreational activities for the novice athlete up to the expert athlete. Participating in sports and physical recreation, or attending sporting events as spectators are important features of a lifestyle. There can be many benefits for participants, including improved health, social connections and a better overall sense of wellbeing. As for this guy and his playing days, I live by a quote I read on a t-shirt once – “Something’s Just Won’t Ever Retire!”

Until next time, Happy Birthday to me!

Mike

Mike Arrington is a Recreation Specialist for the Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department.  He can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email atm.arrington@manassasparkva.gov.

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.