By rssfeeds-admin A group of Arkansans is proving that there is no expiration date on chasing gold as they are competing in the National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa.
The National Senior Games is the largest multi-sport championship in the world for adults 50 and over.
This year more than 12,500 athletes from all 50 states have qualified and are competing in more than 20 different sports. For these athletes, it’s about staying healthy, staying active and staying in the game.
“Whatever sport you play,” Paris Simmons, Captain of the Central Arkansas Big Dogs, said. “We encourage you to get out and have some form of exercise.”
Simmons’ love for basketball started when he was a teenager and his family moved from Oakland, California to Arkansas.
When he first arrived, he quickly realized his love for martial arts wasn’t shared—most people’s passion was basketball and football.
Basketball has taken him across the country, from playing with the Arkansas Express to practicing with the Golden State Warriors practice squad. Simmons has shared the court with NBA legends like Hall of Famer Chris Mullin and All-Star Chris Webber.
He put this dream team together by bringing in players he’s competed with over the years to build one powerful team.
“I mean we’re punishing these teams,” Simmons said. “Not to brag. I got to pat myself on the back. But we’re putting it to them.”
The one-word Simmons used to describe the Central Arkansas Big Dogs: unbeatable.
“We just play with a chip on our shoulder,” Simmons said. “For no apparent reason. It’s like we’re friends with the opposing team until we step on the court.”
The Big Dogs are chasing their third straight gold medal after two title wins and a record 120-point game in 30 minutes—a record they set at the 2023 Games.
Laura Carter, a track and field athlete for the National Senior Games, found her way to the competition during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she picked up walking while watching the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on TV.
Watching athletes like Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky inspired her to compete at the highest level.
“Somehow my computer started to pick up the Senior Olympics and Arkansas Senior Olympics. I can do that. I can do that,” Carter said.
Carter competes in the 100 meters, 50 meters, long jump and triple jump events. She has competed four times at the state level and took silver in the national relay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2023.
As Ms. Arkansas Senior, she’s using her platform to promote health and wellness for people of all ages.
“We are living positive lives,” Carter said. “We’re not sitting in rocking chairs. We’re active, we’re volunteering, we have experiences we can share with others to help them along their way.”
The Games begin this Thursday and run through Aug. 4. Athletes will depart at various times throughout the next two weeks.
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