The ADA Visits the St. Louis Senior Olympics & Missouri State Senior Games

By Chris Stone, ADA Employee

Once again the ADA was proudly invited to two great events involving active senior citizens. The first one being the 2015 St. Louis Senior Olympics in May and the second other being the 2015 Missouri State Senior Games, held in Columbia, MO. Both of these events allow seniors to compete in multiple athletic competitions in order to promote exercise and good health practices.

Besides the dart challenge there are many things to choose from such as track and field athletics, to bowling, cycling, swimming; just to name a few. They are able to compete in different age groups to keep the games fun, yet competitive. ADA representatives attended to help coordinate darts for both events.

Darts for the St. Louis event was held at the famous Blueberry Hill in University City, MO. If you haven’t been to the historic Blueberry Hill, you need stop in next time you are in the area. Of course mentioning the fabulous steel tip dart room, there is so much more to this restaurant. You won’t be disappointed! The seniors were provided with a dart set of their choice from the home office and have a quick warm up before competing. After that, they gave it their all to shoot the best game of Steel Tip High Score. After 8 rounds (24 darts) scores were recorded, with the highest two scores in each age group receiving medals. The turnout was excellent, and the seniors certainly impressed ADA staff members Kate Martell and myself with their darting skill!

The other event hosted darts at the Hearnes Center, on the Mizzou campus, in Columbia, MO. ADA VP, Karl Remick, along with staff members Dane Krankel and myself traveled out for another great time! This time the format was still a High Score challenge, but on electronic boards. Numerous seniors came out to not only throw well, but also keep the ADA on their toes. One participant, John Ankeney, is not only an ADA member, but also shot a 781! Not only did he get Gold in the 55-59 age group; it was the highest score of the day! A couple other honorable mentions of the challenge were William “Bill” Cannon, Rita Eckert and Robert Eade. A special thanks to Greg Benney, Competition Director and his entire staff for having the American Darters Association be a part of this great annual event! Thanks to all that participated!

Karl has been going to Columbia for the Senior Games since 1999, “its always a pleasure to be a part of the senior games every year. I look forward to seeing all the participants from past years and catch up with them”, he added. He was also able to share some great stories of the past with a few.

These two events were such a great thing to be a part of. The American Darters Association is not only proud, but very thankful to be invited to both. A special thanks to all of the participants, coordinators, and program directors for having us out! Till next year…shoot well!