A day of fun and games at Golden Age Games

Several residents from Licking Residential Care went to the Pat Jones YMCA in Springfield, Mo., for the District 4 MHCA (Missouri Healthcare Association) Golden Age Games 2025. New Life Free Will Baptist Church donated their van and a driver to transport the residents to the event, which was held on October 24.

This was the first year the Missouri Health Care Association had resumed the games, after a five-year pause that began in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Fifteen long-term care and assisted living facilities across Southwest Missouri attended the games in Springfield, and ten more competed the previous week in Bolivar.

Licking competitors brought home several trophies, medals or plaques, and all had a great day socializing and meeting new people.

Viola Bailie participated in the Wheelchair Race and won the Oldest Participant Plaque, at 100 years young.

Opal Beasley took part in the Basketball Throw and Horseshoe Toss.

Christopher Hoffman was in the Quiz Bowl.

Sandy Jones competed in Crafts and won first place in Crochet.

Norma Keller participated in Cow Milking and the Soccer Kick.

Kelly Lewey contended in the Basketball Throw, Soccer Kick and Horseshoe Toss.

Lawayne “Sonny” Lonning took part in Cow Milking and the Horseshoe Toss.

Joan Santee was a competitor in the Soccer Kick.

Tina Wade took first place in the Horseshoe Toss, fifth place in the Basketball Throw, and also took part in Bingo and Hog Calling.

Freddie Wilson won first place in the Soccer Kick and also was involved in the Basketball Throw and Hog Calling competitions.

Melva Watson participated in Crafts and won second place for her embroidery work.

Congratulations to the winners and to all who went and competed! You are all winners!

Photos submitted