THE 2015 SENIOR GAMES had all of the customary ingredients of clashes, speed, comedy and more which provided tremendous entertainment for the hundreds who filled the tents on the cycling track.
As has become tradition, the usual suspects of Ainsley Lovell, Kathy Harper-Hall, Pearl Yearwood, Brenda Farley, Anderson Sealy, Patrick Bourne, Martin Jones and many others showed that age was a number to make a mockery of on track or in the field.
The rivalry between the consummate showman Victor Young, 77, and the fleet footed ‘youngster’ Barney Brathwaite once again thrilled the spectators who could only speculate as to what might have been had that duo been 55 years younger.
Princess Margaret teacher Janita Austin gave herself a fantastic 61st birthday present by breaking her own record in the javelin while another teacher Angela Jackson of Graydon Sealy was also in a record breaking mood in the discus and the javelin.
Radio call-in activist Julian Hunte did not win any events unless there was a category for the best dressed and then the most undressed as he provided great enjoyment for the audience and his rivals as he sought to take part in everything while shedding pieces of clothing as he advanced.
Those persons who may have been scouting out the opposition to enter when they reach the ripe age of 40 plus would be classed as dreamers if they were hoping to match the form, fitness and speed of the Rolls Royce of the senior games, Shirley Harper.
The darling of seniors, Harper smashed all comers and captured events at will with a smoothness that increased her fan club significantly. Lovell also continued to run “alone” as her speed, like Harper’s, created too much space between them and their opponents.
Former Carifta Games athlete Gregg Ward competed for the second time and his fitness and speed along with his debonair personality promise to create even more age wonders for future Senior Games. (KB)
