Released: July 10,, 2024
Delaware County Council was proud to join Senior Games Committee Co-chairs Marc Manfre, Director of Parks & Recreation, and Barbara Nicolardi, Director of the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and over 300 Delaware County Senior Games participants and volunteers to celebrate another successful year of the Delaware County Senior Games at the “Winner’s Circle Luncheon” held at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center on July 10.
This year’s games featured 585 athletes, ages 50-95, the largest group to date. Senior athletes competed in over 35 competitive events, including bocce, bowling (singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team), corn hole, golf (9 and 18-hole), mini golf, pickleball, swimming, shuffleboard, table tennis, track and field, and Wii bowling.
The games were held from June 10 to June 21 at venues across the county, including gymnasiums, bowling alleys, parks, fields, tracks, pools, golf courses, and community centers, concluding with the traditional final day of track and field events held at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield.
“The annual Senior Games provide a healthy and fun experience for our residents,” said Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Council commends the dedication and immense efforts of the County team and over 90 volunteers under the direction of Barb Nicolardi and Marc Manfre who helped make this year another huge success.”
The oldest medalist was Phil Martelli, age 96, who won a gold medal in the 95+ age group for 18-hole golf, and the oldest female medalist was Fran Coates, age 94, who won gold medals in both the football and softball throw at the track and field events. Fran also showed her prowess in mini golf.
Other Senior Games standouts include Robert Jones, age 73, who for the second year in a row competed in all seven swimming events, and Anthony Belfiglio, age 83, and brother John Belfiglio, age 81, who competed in all 11 track and field events.
“It was truly inspiring to see so many participants this year,” said Barb Nicolardi. “Our annual Senior Games grows stronger every year. These athletes compete with such enthusiasm and dedication! The spirit of camaraderie and health highlights the importance of staying active and engaged at any age."
Delaware County Council thanks the many residents, competitors, volunteers, staff members, and host locations that made the 2024 games a success!