By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The games aren’t being held in huge arenas but gold medals and goodwill are still the main goals of the Ann’s Choice Summer Olympics.

“If you can play it, or do it, we most likely we have a competition for you,” Dari Logan, community resource coordinator and organizer of the good-spirited games says.

“In addition to keeping your mind and bodies active, these games are a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a hobby or two in the process,” Logan says.

The games are open to all of the residents of Ann’s Choice, a growing Erickson retirement community located just outside of Philadelphia and will be taking  place through the month of September

An event for everyone
From golf to bocce, card games and baking, there is something in the Ann’s Choice Olympics for everyone. This year the games will offer almost two dozen events.

The residents themselves were the inspiration for hosting the games,” Logan says. “One of our residents was a torch carrier for the Olympic Games and we have quite a few residents who participate in the Senior Olympics in Doylestown [Pennsylvania] every year, so we just decided it would be fun to bring the Olympics to Ann’s Choice. Now everyone, athletically  inclined or not, can take part.”

Leader of the pack
The games have gotten involved enough to now have both an opening and  closing ceremony and awards for the community members who participate in and successfully complete the most events.

And the competition is for real.

Bo Liberatore is the two-time defending overall points champion at the Ann’s Choice Olympics. “It’s a fun time, keeps me going, and you get to meet a lot of new people,” he says. “Of course, it’s very competitive but good-natured,” he says with a laugh.

Logan says, “The variety of competitions that we’re able to sponsor shows what a wide variety of talent and interests we have here at Ann’s Choice—from our expert golfers to our amazing bakers.”