I recently had the opportunity to meet and congratulate many of the 80 senior athletes from Maine who earned the right to compete in the national games in California. I was so impressed by what they have done to qualify for this national competition. Athletic excellence at any age is not merely a matter of natural talent, but evidence of determination to develop talent to its fullest potential. These senior athletes combine that determination with an ongoing commitment to fitness.
Their commitment sets an example that is vitally important today. We are all concerned about encouraging our nation's young people to stay healthy, active, and fit. I believe that the role models who have the most positive influence on them are not the superstars they see on TV but their neighbors down the street. The amazing growth of the National Seniors Games, from 2,500 competitors in the inaugural event 22 years ago to nearly 13,000 this year, shows that these athletes are part of a powerful movement that is truly making a difference.
I was impressed, but not at all surprised. Wherever I go in Maine, whether visiting large cities or small towns, I see again and again the contributions our seniors make to their communities. From charities and community service to support for the arts, education or the environment, Maine seniors lead the way. They are the role models who prove that the best way to get something done is to get involved.
The Maine athletes at the National Games range in age from 50 to 80, and are competing in events ranging from basketball to cycling, and from the swimming pool to the running track. Overall, more than 800 events will be contested during the 16 days of the Games, often before tens of thousands of fans. In addition to a wide range of medal sports, the 2009 Games include such demonstration sports as fencing, sailing, and soccer.
Even the Olympic-style torch has a twist -- it burns no fuel! Created especially for the 2009 Games, it is solar-powered, with 800 tiny mirrors arrayed in a cauldron made from recycled California redwood.
But you don't have to go all the way to California to join in the fun and fitness. Every year, the Maine Senior Games offers competition in 13 core sports, in addition to a variety of less-intense activities. More than 10,000 senior athletes have participated since the Games were launched in 1986. This year's Maine Games will be held during late August and early September at a range of venues in the Portland area. Contact your local Agency on Aging to get a head start. Plus, performances in the annual Games held at the state level are used to quality for the Nationals, which are held every two years.
As we cheer those who continue to excel in athletics, we must also ensure that all seniors receive the support they need. My work in the Senate, including service on the Special Committee on Aging, on such issues as diabetes and Alzheimer's research, home health care, affordable housing, abuse prevention, heating assistance, and the protection of benefits, is driven by my commitment to the well-being of America's seniors. Not all can compete at the national level, but all deserve our nation's respect.
Staying active is a key to good health, and the Senior Games movement, here in Maine and nationally, is an outstanding way get fit, to enhance a skill or learn something new, and to meet great people in friendly, spirited competition. Remember what Abe Lincoln said: "It's not the years in your life that count - it's the life in your years."