Pan American Masters Games in Cleveland: In Cleveland, where the Pan-American Masters Games are in full swing, the spirit of competition and friendship knows no age limits. As athletes from around the world converge on the city, the event is showing not only elite sportsmanship but also the incredible vitality of competitors who defy age expectations.
A Celebration of Ageless Athletes
The Pan-American Masters Games, a premier event for athletes over 30, are drawing thousands to Cleveland, each one bringing their best to a variety of sports. Among them is Mimi Hargate, a 77-year-old pickleball player and one of the oldest competitors from the local area. Mimi Hargate, who took up pickleball post-retirement, is a testament to the sport’s appeal and the active lifestyle that many of these seasoned athletes embrace.
“I started playing pickleball right after I retired, about eight years ago. I’ve always been active, playing racquetball and tennis. Sports have always been a part of my life.” – (Mimi Hargate)
Team Spirit and Longevity
Mimi Hargate isn’t the only one showing the vibrancy of aging athletes. Her pickleball partner, Peter Dobrea, is 71, and he echoes Hargate’s sentiment about the benefits of the sport.
“I’ve been an athlete most of my life. Pickleball is a new interest, but it’s been great for my overall well-being and mental state.” – (Dobrea)
The dynamic trio of Hargate, Dobrea, and their practice partner, Elliot Unger, who is 74, shows the vitality and zest that drive these competitors. Unger, who describes aging as being in the “7th inning of life,” emphasizes that the game isn’t over yet.
A Test of Skill and Spirit
For Hargate and her teammates, the Pan-American Masters Games represent more than just competition. It’s an opportunity to challenge themselves against top-tier competitors while embracing the joy of sport.
“The idea of playing against some of the best competition in the world at my age is quite a challenge.” – (Unger)
Dobrea adds that the games offer not only competition but also a chance to forge friendships. “Meeting people from all over and playing with a great partner brings a sense of camaraderie and friendship,” he said.
Hargate views the games as an adventure, not necessarily a quest for glory. “It’s not because I think I’m that great. I just like the competition and think it will be fun.”
As the Pan-American Masters Games continue through July 21, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of athletes, regardless of age. Whether they’re hitting the pickleball court or competing in another sport, these masters prove that the love for competition and the joy of physical activity transcends the years.
News in Brief: Pan American Masters Games in Cleveland
Cleveland is buzzing with excitement as the Pan-American Masters Games unfold, celebrating athletes over 30 years from around the world. Among the vibrant competitors are 77-year-old Mimi Hargate and her pickleball partners, Peter Dobrea, 71, and Elliot Unger, 74. These seasoned athletes show the event’s spirit, displaying that vitality and competition have no age limits.
Having taken up pickleball post-retirement, Hargate emphasizes the sport’s role in maintaining an active lifestyle, while Dobrea and Unger highlight its benefits for physical and mental well-being. The games, running through July 21, offer more than just competition; they foster friendships, and the joy of sport, proving that athletic passion transcends age.
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