The Office of Human Services Inc. of Ridgway is hosting a Four-County Senior Games event which will be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on June 9.
Bill Orzechowski, executive director of the Office of Human Services, has been a part of the committee for the event since back in the 1970s, when it was still taking place in Smethport.
“I have enjoyed getting to see people enjoy themselves,” said Orzechowski.
According to Orzechowski, the event usually sees around a maximum of 250 senior citizens. Previously, there has been around 300 to 325 people, which caused crowding and overall just made the time less enjoyable due to a lack of space, he said.
They want as many individuals as possible to come out and enjoy the games, but have found that holding reservations to a reasonable number makes for a more pleasant experience for all involved.
For Orzechowski, he has always enjoyed helping to run the events, and seeing people that he either has not seen in some time, or seeing fresh new faces show up to the games.
When asked about one of his favorite parts of being involved, he stated, “I enjoy seeing people get better. You see them playing an event and they tell you they are going to get better, then they come back the next time, and they really did get better.”
This is a tradition for the Office of Human Services, and different activities are always welcomed through input of those involved.
Ads are a large part of the event, that also helps count for a majority of the cost. Zippo Manufacturing Co., as well as nursing homes across the community join together to help benefit and promote this event that bring senior citizens out for a day of fun and games.
The event has been a tradition for the area for 40 years, and originally was only for the Smethport area.
While in Smethport, the games were held at Hamlin Lake Park. However, throughout time, the event expanded into the rest of the county.
The Senior Games now involve four counties — Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter. Other counties have been involved from time to time, and have been welcome in small numbers.
The late Helen Harmon was an active promoter of the games, and did much work for organizing and advocating until her passing.
Over time, the Four-County Senior Games began to outgrow their facilities that were normally used in the past. The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford welcomed the incorporation for the event, and have made planning easy and convenient in order to bring counties together to have an enjoyable time, according to Orzechowski.
The events include Wii bowling, darts, basketball throw, and a one-mile walk among others.
The fee for the Four-County Senior Games is $12, and to RSVP, contact Nila or Barb at Potter County Human Resources, Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-800-2560, if you are interested in attending.
The event begins with a continental breakfast at 9 a.m., and then the games are set to begin at 10 a.m., with lunch also being provided.
