Seniors get active at ‘Senior S.K.I.P. Day’ in Lewis County

WESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — Hundreds of senior residents and their families came together and got active on Friday at the third annual “Senior S.K.I.P. Day” at the Lewis County Park.

S.K.I.P. stands for “Still Keeping it Physical” and promotes staying active through activities like pickle ball, laser tag and bowling. Organizer Belinda Lewis said she was inspired to start the event after the Senior Olympics were canceled due to COVID-19.

“So I called the Senior Olympics people and said ‘would you mind if I just had a smaller version?’ and they said ‘oh that’d be no problem,’” Lewis said. “Well then I didn’t realize how big it was going to get,” She added that this year’s event is the biggest they’ve had yet despite it only being one day.

Manicures and pedicures were also offered during the event by the Fred Eberle Technical Center. Lewis said it was so popular that they ran out of supplies.

The event was sponsored through grants from Hope Gas and Walmart with community volunteers from local high schools helping out.

“One of the main components of aging gracefully is to keep active. So this is why it’s so important. People are getting out and also the socialization, especially as you get older, some people don’t have that so that’s what I’d like to do, bring them together. Physically fit and emotionally and socially,” said Lewis.

Lewis said she’s worked for 40 years inspiring physical activity and told 12 New that she feels she has fulfilled her mission with S.K.I.P.

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