Senior Special Olympics

Seniors Soar at Games: Three from Riveridge Manor Win Senior Olympic Events

by Sherry Van Arsdall, South Bend Tribune, Staff Writer

Myrtle Sheperdson hasn't played a lot of basketball. But the 95 year-old scored a record 16 baskets before missing during the 14th annual Senior Olympics. The regional event was held recently at Lakeland Continuing Care Center in Berrien Center.

"I had a great time and just got lucky throwing in 16 in a row," Sheperdson said smiling. "I'm glad I went. I never went to something like this before". She was recognized for winning the basketball toss and walking the Frisbee golf obstacle course Friday afternoon at Riveridge manor.

Two other residents, Harold Remus and Duane Jackson, also were medalist and recognized at the celebration. The other participants representing Riveridge Manor included Kenny Frantz, Dixie Songer, Ellent Novacek and John Gold.

Jackson won his medal in the horseshoe tournament but was disappointed it hadn't been in another event. "I wanted to get a medal in basketball, not horseshoes, " the 81 year-old said. He had played horseshoes in his younger days, "but not much," Jackson said. "It was fun to compete."

During the event, several volunteers were on hand to cheer the 80 senior Olympians. The other participants were from Lakeland's Continuing Care Centers in Berrien Center and St. Joseph, Jordan's Nursing Home in Bridgman, and Cass County Medical Center in Cassopolis.

Events included wheelchair and walking races, walking and wheelchair relays, and an electric wheelchair race as well as bowling, basketball shoot, bean bag toss, horseshoes, and Frisbee golf.

Remus won his medal in the wheelchair races. The 87 year-old wasn't the least bit surprised at his victory. "The others were a lot slower so, no, I wasn't surprised," Remus said, smiling. "It was fun!"

That has been the same response that Debbie Lundin, Director of Activities, has seen for the last 14 years. "When we started, it was a way to help and motivate people to keep moving." Lundin said. "It's been fun, and seeing the smiles on their faces and helping them to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can't do, mates it all worthwhile."

As activity director at Riveridge Manor, Tonya Witman is delighted with the results of her Olympians. "I'm very proud of them," Witman said.

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