August, 2008, Cheer News & Views

DSO Sports News

By Marion Lisehora mlisehora@mchsi.com

DSO Annual Games Registration Forms Are Due August 8! Packets are still available online at http://www.delawareseniorolympics.org . Fill out the registration form and mail it now to the address given. You may also request a packet by calling the Delaware Senior Olympics Office toll-free at 1-888-881-6128. The state games, which are qualifiers for the National Senior Games in San Francisco next year, will be held this fall throughout Delaware. Men and women will compete separately in 5 year age groups 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, etc., in over two dozen sports. Many sports, such as swimming and track and field, have several events within the sport, so you are bound to find something you would like to do. Register and join the fun!

Pickleball: This is the newest sport to be added to the State Games. A group of downstate women have taken up the challenge to learn the game under the direction of Willa Jones. The portable net and standards can be set up outside on parking lots, driveways, tennis courts or anywhere you have a solid surface. It is played with large wooden paddles and a wiffle-type ball on a badminton sized court. Game rules, court dimensions and equipment can be found online at http://www.pickleball.com Local practices have been held at the Salt Pond, White House Beach, Delmarva Christian High School and Georgetown Middle School. To find out more, call Willa on her cell phone at 610-742-0161.

Racquetball: Dust off that racquet; pick out a good, aggressive t-shirt; and sign on for the Racquetball tournament on Saturday, September 27 at DAFB. We have loads of room at every age level, each gender, singles and doubles. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact: robert.b.young@state.de.us, or 302-739-5331. We look forward to seeing you.

Cycling: Every five years since Don Kjelleren turned 50 in 1983 he has completed a special event such as running the New York Marathon. This year at age 75 he cycled 188 miles in one day!

Actual cycling time was 12 hours and 31 minutes, while rest time was 3 hours and 15 minutes. His route was along the Connecticut River in Vermont. Congratulations, Don!

Cycling: Jo Johnson recently won her First Stars and Stripes in the Masters Nationals as she completed 3 events in the 60-64 age group in Louisville, KY. She was awarded the Omnium or Best All Around in her age group as she took a first, a second and a fourth in her three races. Congratulations, Jo!

Volleyball: A new session of Beginner’s Senior Volleyball for women between the ages of 45 and 75 will start on Tuesday nights in September at Georgetown Middle School. Watch for the Indian River School District Community Education Brochure later this month for registration information.

To have senior sports items included in this column, please send your information to mlisehora@mchsi.com

Willa Jones, 3rd from left, teaches a group of senior volleyball players how to play pickleball.

Margaret Long returns the ball.

Jo Johnson displays her cycling awards at the Masters Nationals July, 2008. Photo by Craig Dooley

The Senior Lo-Del Volleyball League is playing this summer at Delmarva Christian High School. All seven teams are preparing to compete in the Delaware Senior Olympics Annual Games on September 14 at A.I. Dupont High School in Hockessin.