Snellville Man is Top Finisher in National Senior Games

Half a dozen local seniors represented Gwinnett County at the Summer National Senior Games in June, participating in bowling, horseshoes, and track and field. 

The games took place June 16 - 30 in Houston, Texas.

About 10,000 athletes from across the country participated this year. David Gaddes, a Snellville man, was among the top finishers in

"Gwinnett County made a good showing at the national games this summer,” said local president Alan Villavasso. “We hope to increase participation at the local level, which could ultimately lead to more representation by Gwinnett County athletes at future State and National Senior Games.”

The Summer National Senior Games is the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors age 50 and older, and it serves as an umbrella organization for State Senior Games or Senior Olympics, according to a press release.

To qualify for the National Senior Games, participants must place first, second or third at the state level during a qualifying year. The national competition is held every other year, and 2013, it will take place in Cleveland, Ohio.

The local event, however, is not a prerequisite for state-level competition. In addition, it is not limited to Gwinnett County residents. Mostly, the events are for friendship and a fun time, as well as competition. 

“The Gwinnett Senior Golden Games are good practice; and we enjoy the camaraderie,” Villavasso said.

If area seniors would like to learn more about the senior games, see the Gwinnett County orgnaization's website: www.gwinnettseniorgoldengames.org.

Registration for the 2012 Gwinnett Senior Golden Games will open in February, and they will take place in the spring. 

Here are results for local athletes in the summer games:

David Gaddes, of Snellville, finished eighth in bowling singles in the 65-69 age division.

Bob Giselbach, of Buford, finished second in horseshoes in the 70-75 age division.

Eileen Giselbach, of Buford, finished first in horseshoes in the 70-75 age division.

Bud Kushman, of Lilburn, competed in the bowling singles qualifying rounds in the 65-69 age division.

Linda Lowery, of Decatur, competed in the 60-64 age division and finished fourth in the 100 meter race, third in the high jump, second in the long jump, and second in the triple jump. Her relay team also won first place. (Although Lowery lives in Dekalb County, she participated in the Gwinnett Senior Golden Games last spring.) 

Alan Villavasso, of Grayson, finished eighth in bowling singles in the 60-64 age division.