Senior Olympics torch relays through the mountains

• The Mescalero Apache Seniors participated in the passing of the torch during the state-wide

Mescalero Apache seniors participated in the passing of the torch during the state-wide relay 9 a.m., March 7, at the Elderly Center in preparation for the National Games this summer, which is one of the largest sporting events in the state.

The passing of the torch in Mescalero is a leg of the National relay, which continues until it reaches Albuquerque this summer.

The 2019 Senior Olympics is a state-wide competition that offers those 50 years and older — as beginners or national qualifiers — the opportunity to participate in several sporting events.

"This is a leg of the National relay that will continue reaching Albuquerque this June for the National games.The torch was passed to us from Mesilla," said Cindy Prelo from the Mescalero Elderly Center.

Competitors will gather from across the state in hopes of a gold medal. Those who qualified for nationals will be on their way Albuquerque to compete in the state-wide event June 14 thorugh June 25.

Mescalero Apache Tribe has 17 qualifying participants, with 15 going to the Nationals this summer (two have minor injuries and won’t be able to attend).

Passing the torch

Spectators watched and cheered as the symbolic torch arrived at the Mescalero Elderly Center. 

The National Games offer several categories for seniors to compete in.

The passing of the torch began with Master of Ceremonies Mark Chino welcoming the seniors and thanking the Mescalero Fire and Rescue Department, the Tribal Council, IMGRC, and the Mescalero Diabetes and Wellness Center for all of their services and hard work.

“We have had quite the turn out and showing over the years since the Elderly Center first became involved with the Senior Olympics,” said local coordinator Cindy Prelo.

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After the National Anthem presented by Luke Tanner Ward, an opening prayer was led by Donalyn Torres. President Butch Blazer, and Vice President Gabe Aguilar of the Mescalero Apache Tribe gave welcome comments and remarks.

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Following the opening statements, Mark Chino introduced guests and dignitaries and the qualifying athletes. An honor song proceeded the opening remarks as organizers spoke about the events including the director of the New Mexico Senior Games Ceci Acosta and staff, Cindy Prelo, local coordinator of the Mescalero NMSO History rounding out the event.

Helping the elderly stay healthy

Sports clinics offered in the following months will emphasizing sport techniques and rules and nutrition. There will be a performance coach and personal trainer experts on hand to work with the senior athletes who attend the event.

“We try to incorporate exercise in the elderly's agenda and encourage them to participate in the Senior Olympics,” Prelo said. "We are always encourage them to be as active ac they possibly can.”

Seniors from Lincoln County qualified in bowling, swimming, pickle-ball, cycling, archery, table tennis, shuffleboard and horseshoes and will be competing in the summer games.

Other competitions will include power walking, volleyball and track and field. Sports clinics will be held in Albuquerque, during the months of March and April, offering a variety of events and will be free to attend.

The Mescalero Apache Tribe would like to congratulate and thank all of the seniors that qualified for the 2019 National Senior Games and to all of those who helped make this portion of the torch relay a success.

Winners from Mescalero

Power Walk

• Roderick Chimal, Winona Chimal, Bruce Klinekole and Karlene Toehay

Shuffleboard

• Elanie Choneska, Eva Geronimo, I. M. Crisosto Pena, Della Simmons, Abigail Tahnito and Josie Tortilla

Archery

• Gleda Little, Lionel Magoosh, Michael Smith, Ellis Tortilla, Nina Tortilla and Janel Perkins

Badminton

• Owen Little

For information about the Mescalero Apache Elderly Center, contact Cindy Prelo at mesc@matisp.net.

The mission of The Mescalero Senior Olympics is to promote and provide a variety of engaging sport activities that promote healthy aging for senior citizens through meaningful participation that encourages a lifetime of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

For more information about Senior Olympics Sports Clinics, Senior National Games, visit www.nmseniorolympics.org, or call toll free 888-6236676. The sports clinics are free.

Pamela L. Bonner can be reached at 575-202-5555, Pbonner@Ruidosonews.com or at 575-257-4001 ext. 4102.