PORTSMOUTH, Va. —
Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department hosted its annual Senior Sports Day.
At Portsmouth Sportsplex, Senior Sports Day is filled with smiles, joy and all-around good vibes.
It's all about getting folks of all ages in the game. In its 34th year, Senior Sports Day is a way to inspire and motivate people of all ages to never stop moving. On its 3rd day, participants played checkers, pickleball, spades and Frisbee.
“They do everything from pickleball to spades, to dominos, to softball hit and throw and track and field,” Elizabeth Linthicum, a Recreation Supervisor with the department said.
The annual event has individuals over 50 dinking, dunking and moving in a variety of sports.
Gloria Wray is an avid pickleball player in her 60s. She says days like today smash the expectations of seniors.
“We stay fit and the games are very exciting and we encourage other seniors to come out,” Wary said.
Joe Johnson was Wray's partner on the court. It was his first time on the pickleball court. At 87 years old he says he’s trying to keep the young energy.
“When you get up in age, some people fray down and don't have the pep or energy; But I like to keep the energy,” Johnson said.
Not everyone was active on the court. Evoria Moring affectionately called "Ms. Sis" is 100 years old and has been winning Dominoes games for most of her life.
“It’s fun to me and I was playing them when I was little. When I was about, eight or nine,” Moring said.
The fourth and final day of events will take place at Portsmouth Sportsplex. Seniors can participate in horseshoes, basketball throws and an awards ceremony.