Moosehaven Retirement Community was alive with energy and enthusiasm as residents gathered for the annual Senior Olympics, held August 22–25, 2025. The four-day event brought together more than fifty participants for a friendly competition celebrating community spirit, healthy living, and lifelong play.
Opening Ceremonies: A Joyful Start
The games kicked off on Friday, August 22, in the Michigan Building with a vibrant parade set to classic Olympic fanfare. Residents representing athletes, referees, and committee members carried balloons and American flags, setting a patriotic and festive tone.
Helen Taylor proudly carried the Olympic torch, leading the procession as two Olympic banners were paraded into the main hall. She offered opening words of encouragement before officially declaring the games open—then demonstrated her enthusiasm by trying her hand at each event herself. The day concluded with snacks, music, and plenty of laughter among friends
Let the Games Begin
Competition began on Saturday morning, August 23, with residents showing off their skills in darts, pong, golf, and bowling, all hosted in the Illinois Building.
By Sunday afternoon, the action moved to the Michigan Building for basketball, pool, shuffleboard, and cornhole. The camaraderie and encouragement among competitors exemplified what the Senior Olympics are all about—connection, joy, and a little friendly rivalry
Closing Ceremonies and Medal Presentations
The event wrapped up on Monday, August 25, with a heartfelt closing ceremony. Attendees gathered in the Illinois Building for a recap of the weekend’s highlights, words of appreciation, and the much-anticipated medal presentations.
Tanya Sparks, Senior Regent of Women of the Moose, presented medals to the women’s division winners, while Barb Springfield, President of Opportunity Lodge, awarded the men’s medals. Other presenters included Helen Taylor, Donna Rothermel, LeeAnn Robbins, and Angela Wood
Highlights from the Medal Stand
This year saw a record 52 competitors, up from 2024’s count, and several events ended in thrilling tie-breakers. Standout winners included:
- Cornhole: Gold went to Leanna Miller (Women’s) and Don Bell (Men’s).
- Bowling: Bonnie Bargoff and Harold Embry took home top honors.
- Golf: Bernie Berland and Gerald Zarnes claimed gold.
- Darts: Kaye Sinex and Richard Doolan topped their divisions.
- Basketball: Vanice Holland and Bob Wunschel shot their way to gold
The Decathlon, which required participants to compete in all eight events, ended in photo finishes for both divisions. Leanna Miller earned the women’s trophy by a single point, while Ross Fleet narrowly secured the men’s victory. Each Decathlon champion received a trophy and $20 prize, with all gold medalists earning $10 in recognition of their achievements
Behind the Scenes
None of it would have been possible without the dedication of the referees, committee members, and volunteers who made the games run smoothly. From Maggie Lazuka and Shirley Walters overseeing shuffleboard to Don Bell and Richard Doolan coordinating cornhole, every contributor played a vital role.
Special thanks also go to the Opportunity Lodge and Chapter for sponsoring the medals, and to the Activities Committee for providing prize funds
A Tradition of Togetherness
The 2025 Moosehaven Senior Olympics once again proved that age is just a number when it comes to fun, friendship, and competition. As the community looks ahead to 2026, one thing is clear—the Olympic spirit is alive and well at Moosehaven.
Click the gallery below to view or download photos.
