[Apologies from the Editor: We forgot to post this when it was completed.]
Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
Senior Olympics 042719
Senior Olympics 042719
Senior Olympians gather for a group photo
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Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 38 Color Guard posts the colors
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Mario Quintana, Senior Olympics co-ordinator and participant, watches Master of Ceremonies Alfred Ogas
Senior Olympics 042719
Rachel Valencia leads the "Star Spangled Banner"
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The colors are retired
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Ogas recognizes some who will participate in the national competition
Senior Olympics 042719
Ogas recognizes Armando Amador for his support of Senior Olympics and veterans
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The walk around the Fox Field track begins
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Walkers round the far end of the field
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ICAN provides healthy snacks to the participants. From left are Laura Martinez, Jerry Teague and April Teague. At far right an unidentified man chats with Santa Clara Mayor Richard BauchÂ
Copper Country Senior Olympics held a torch walk and competitions for various events at Fox field on Saturday April 27, 2019. Many will participate in the National Senior Olympics competition in Albuquerque this summer.
After a group photo of the Copper Country Senior Olympics participants, the colors were posted by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 38. Alfred Ogas served as master of ceremonies.
After recognizing members of the board, Ogas recognized Armando Amador, a member of the color guard and a long-time supporter of senior olympians and veterans.
"I've worked very hard with veterans," Amador said. "We work to find our inner healing. All you in the Senior Olympics program have God in your hearts. Go on doing what you're doing."
Ogas then called on all veterans in the group to identify themselves and say there and when they served.
Ogas then asked Grant County Commissioner Chris Ponce to speak. Ponce said the Commission is working to get Bataan Park fixes up to provide more options for events.
"We have 37 senior olympians going to nationals in Albuquerque," Ogas said. "I would like to thank Western New Mexico University Athletics Director Scott Noble and Head Football Coach Frank Tristan for supporting Senior Olympics with student volunteers today."
He also introduced Fred Baca, the Copper Country board president.
The participants then took off on the ceremonial Torch Run, which was a walk around the Fox Field track.