Become an Olympian this Summer in Rock Springs

Lonnie Harwood could be considered the Cowboy State’s Senior Olympics ambassador.

The 62-year-old track and field athlete from Evanston has traveled throughout the West and as far as Mississippi to compete in Senior Games. Now he’s preparing for the 2009 Wyoming Senior Olympics in Rock Springs on July 22-25.

For Harwood, Senior Olympics is more than a hobby, but it’s not about the medals.

“It’s physical and mental therapy for me,” said Harwood, who plans to add pickleball to his sports repertoire.

“I just enjoy meeting people,” Harwood said. “It’s all good for me, and it’s good for a lot of seniors, too, if they can get into it.”

In addition to traveling the country to compete, Harwood keeps up a training regimen—which includes a daily 2.5-mile walk—yet still finds time to volunteer for the track and field team at the local high school and educate his peers about the benefits of Senior Olympics.

“If you want to go and be competitive, meet people,” Harwood said, “get out and do this. I would like to see a lot more senior citizens get into this. It’s good for health and wellness.”

Though Harwood will be one of the most experienced Olympians competing in Rock Springs, organizer Paul Prevedel said participants’ readiness runs the gamut from dedicated athletes to those who “run in their Levi’s and cowboy boots.”

This is the first year the Senior Olympics will be held in Rock Springs. Prevedel said he expects between 200 and 400 participants.

The Senior Olympics boasts 26 events—among them mountain biking, table tennis and triathlon—and participants are split up by age.

Billiards, track, swimming and golf typically draw the most competitors, Prevedel said, but pickleball is quickly gaining in popularity as well. He said Rock Springs is considering holding a bocce ball event next year.

“Some of these guys are in the prime of their athletic careers after 50,” Prevedel said. “Some take this serious and are in good shape. Some just want to get out there and have fun.”

To sign up, visit www.wyseniorolympics.com or call Paul Prevedel at 307-352-1420.