Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

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About 30 runners, walkers and bicyclists took part in the opening Torch Run on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, leading to the National Senior Olympics competition in Albuquerque in June.

The participants took off from Gough Park, went down Bullard to Broadway and back to Gough Park. Several groups took off in turns.

For the next 153 days until June 14, when the torch run ends in Albuquerque to kick off the national competition, torch runs will take place throughout the state.

Silver City received the honor of holding the first torch run, as the Copper County Senior Olympics often has the most seniors qualify for the state competition. This year 39 competitors from Grant County have qualified for nationals.

After the runs, the participants gathered near the gazebo at Gough Park.

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 358 Color Guard posted the colors, and Lorraine Anglin led "The Star-Spangled Banner," after which Deacon Bill Holguin gave the invocation.

Alfred Ogas of the Copper Country Senior Olympic board served as master of ceremonies.

He introduced Cynthia Bettison, Silver City mayor pro tem, who said: "I'm here in place of the mayor who could not attend today. I am excited that we are starting the torch run right here in Silver City. Thanks to Copper Country Senior Olympics, we always have the largest group at nationals. Go Copper Country!"

Ogas also introduced Tony Trujillo and Western New Mexico President Joseph Shepard as "great supporters of Senior Olympics."

Trujillo said he wanted to point out the significance of what was happening. "This is the kick off of a national event that will take place in Albuquerque. Silver City got picked to be first out of eight communities in New Mexico to take part in the Torch Run. It starts here in the southern part of the state and up to the northern part around the time of the big event. This could not happen without the board and directors or without Mario (Quintana, coordinator)." He introduced several people who were in attendance, including Lt. Gov. Howie Morales.

Morales said. "I'm happy to be home. I'm a great supporter of Senior Olympics. You've put in a lot of effort. It's great to see the Torch Run begin here. We, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and I, are great supporters of seniors."

Morales said it was an exciting time in New Mexico. "We stay grounded in who we are. We make sure to take care of children, the disabled. We provide necessary services to veterans and remove red tape. There are resources for senior citizens. Their work helped raise people like me." He recognized Dr. Armendariz and Louie Ortega. "We always try to listen to you. I'm working again with (Rep.) Rudy Martinez. I look forward to the national games. I'll be with you."

Trujillo also recognized Martinez and Rep. Rebecca Dow, who participated in the run.

"Thank you for allowing me to be here," Dow said. "You have an awesome representation from Grant County for nationals."

"Grant County has done it again," Martinez said. "They've been excelling every year. We continue funding Senior Olympics. Whether you participate or simply support, thank you."

Trujillo introduced Shepard. "When Dr. Shepard arrived here, the university needed respect. Now WNMU is a large part of the community. He has transformed the university."

"I want to say thank you for allowing me to speak," Shepard said. He said Valerie Plame was at the park for the run. "We're happy to provide help for the community. We create the cultural aspects. I asked Valerie what she thinks about our county. She loves it."

Trujillo also recognized County Commissioner Chris Ponce and Santa Clara Mayor Richard Bauch.

Ogas also recognized Magistrate Judge Hector Grijalva as being present.

Ogas introduced Cecilia Acosta, New Mexico Senior Olympics director, and recognized her for 30 years of being associated with the games. "We have 22 counties and 18 sites in the state with Senior Olympics.

"Silver City was chosen to start the Torch Run, because Mario is awesome," Acosta said. "Senior Olympics has as its mission to keep seniors active and socializing. There are 53 state groups in the U.S., but New Mexico has one of the only ones with statewide games. We've been through thick and thin, and it's awesome to see so many people here. Last year, Grant County took 42 medals at the state competition. Nationals happen every two years. It's exciting for it to be in New Mexico this year. We hope the whole community sends out participants. Early bird open registration is through Feb. 23, and April 2 is the last day to register. The history of the national games comes back to New Mexico. In 1985, we helped get national competitions started. New Mexico has great games at the local and state levels. Nationals will take place from June 14-25. The next leg of the Torch Run is in Las Cruces on Feb. 16. You have set the bar for a celebration. Thank you, torch runners."

She said the planning is going forward for the next 152 days. Acosta introduced Anna Sanchez, who is the senior services director in Albuquerque for seniors and volunteers. She oversees six senior centers.

"Albuquerque is proud and excited to host the largest athletic event, with 10,000 participants and supporters," Sanchez said. "Join us in Albuquerque."

She introduced Mr. Grant County Copper Country Senior Olympics Coordinator, Mario Quintana.

Quintana said Senior Olympics began in 1987 in Grant County. Tommy Ryan began it and Rose Sanchez took it over. Jean Hoffman oversaw it for a while until she died.

"Our program was put on probation, but I would not let it die," Quintana said. "We got reinstated by the state and had 100 participants. In 2015, we were forced to regroup. Now we have 200 participants, with 39 qualifying for nationals this year. Let the games begin!"

Chris Trujillo, one of the qualifiers, said he plays golf. "I'm humbled to play in nationals. I got the silver medal in 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. My son and my sister told me I need to win golf gold this year. I have played for many years at Scott and at the Hurley oil-sand greens. I have helped kids learn to play. All of us should give back to our community, so we are representing Grant County as seniors."

Fidel Quintana said he has been competing since he was a kid. "I began competing with Senior Olympics in 2009. Exercise helps prolong life. We have aches and pain, especially in seniors, but we persevere and excel. This year, I'm excited to compete at nationals. My goal is to keep my body active. Mario has done an excellent job. He doesn't stop. Thank you, national and state representatives."

Maria Elena Galindo read the mission statement of Senior Olympics – "Dedicated to providing adults 50 years and older with the opportunities for a healthy active lifestyle by promoting physical fitness, mental and emotional well-being for seniors."

Beverly Woods said she will compete in the 80-year old competitions. "I began doing Senior Olympics in Phoenix in 1996. It makes you stay active all during the year to stay in shape. I will be bicycling in the 5K and 10K, running the 50-meter and 100-meter races and doing shot put."

"We lost two of our competitors this year—Leonard Pritikin at 98 years of age and Omar Holguin, just recently," Ogas said. He asked for a moment of silence to remember them.

He thanked Elva Quimby, whom he described as the backbone of Copper Country, and Quintana, who has been coordinator for nine years.

Food had been set out and participants headed to the tables, while listening to Angelica Padilla serenade them.