From France to Fleming Farms: Seniors inspire in local Olympic games

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — As Paris welcomes athletes from across the world, residents of Fleming Farms Senior Center displayed their own feats of strength and agility on Thursday.

The participants competed in a five-event summer games.

“We’re all seniors,” said Fleming resident Dot Whitt. “I think I’m about the oldest one on all the teams together, unless it be Mary Donahue. I’m 97 and I think she’s 98.”

The competitors have been training for the games over the past few weeks.

“I thank my little physical therapist over there for putting up with me,” Whitt said. “My moaning and groaning, but I knew she was helping me so I’ve done everything she’s asked me to.”

The events, designed by the TXTeam physical therapists at Fleming Farms, tested balance, strength, endurance and cognitive abilities.

“We want them going home saying, ‘Man, I feel challenged and this was such an awesome day, but our goal here is to keep them active and keep them having a healthy lifestyle,” said TXTeam Physical Therapist Team Lead Erica Howard.

The four teams competed to score the most points in their events. In the medal ceremony, “The Lucky Charms” took home gold.

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