Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 15, 1995 TAG: 9507170125
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
VAS is trying to reach a deal with the Virginia Recreation Parks Society that would allow the Roanoke-based organization to run other statewide events in addition to the Commonwealth Games of Virginia.
Specifically, VAS would like to operate Virginia's Golden Olympics, an Olympic-style festival for senior citizens that sends its winners to the National Senior Games.
The issue was discussed during a meeting of the VAS board of directors Friday morning.
VRPS ``is interested in having an organization sub-contract some of their events,'' said VAS president Pete Lampman. ``Both organizations are excited about the possibilities.''
An announcement could come soon after a July20 VRPS meeting.
``When we hear back from them, we'll form our battle plan,'' said Lampman.
The Golden Olympics are held annually at various sites in the state. Lampman said VAS probably won't try to bring the Golden Olympics to Roanoke, preferring instead to move it around the more-populous eastern and northern regions of the state as a way to increase VAS' visibility across Virginia.
``This is a great way for us to broaden our focus state-wide,'' said David Paxton, chairman of the board of directors. ``We're also planning to do a seminar at a state coaches' seminar in Williamsburg. We're really reaching out across the state.''
Lampman said that a VAS-VRPS relationship may also allow VAS to hold regional qualifying competitions for the Commonwealth Games, something VAS has sought since beginning the Games five years ago.
Regional competitions ``may be a couple of years away, but it's a possibility they could be happening,'' said Lampman.
PAXTON TO STEP DOWN: Paxton announced to the board of directors on Friday that he will be resigning as chairman of the board at the end of his two-year term.
Lampman said several candidates will be interviewed to replace Paxton, an attorney who will stay on as chairman through the rest of this year.
``David's plate is really full with work commitments,'' said Lampman. ``He's just been great to work with. He's done an excellent job.''
IRON WOMAN: Kathy Roberts pushes and pulls until she can't go any further.
At 5 feet 5 and 176 pounds, Roberts zeroes in when she begins squatting and deadlifting weights twice her size.
Roberts competed in last weekend's Commonwealth Games of Virginia powerlifting competition and used it as a personal exhibition. The 30-year-old set state records in the bench press (260 pounds), the squat (345), the deadlift (390) and overall score (995) in her 176-pound division. In what was recorded as a demonstration, she lifted 270 in the bench press to break her personal best.
``She was making some of the guys look bad,'' said Stuart Israel, the director of marketing for VAS.
Roberts, who resides in Alexandria, was in Roanoke on Friday night to read the Commonwealth Games oath during the opening ceremonies at Victory Stadium.
"I was very impressed," said Lampman, who watched Roberts compete last weekend. "She was very competitive but very friendly."
by CNB