THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 24, 1994 TAG: 9406220123
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 1P EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: PAM STAFF
DATELINE: 940624 LENGTH: Medium
At 9 a.m., it was already hot and humid, but the trim and muscular Parkerson had been playing her favorite game for more than an hour at Bayville Park's tennis courts. The only sign of exertion on the tanned 83-year-old body showed in her flushed face, which she patted dry with a towel.
{REST} ``Whoo, it's a hot one out there,'' said Parkerson as she exited the court. ``I've been playing here for 10 years - met some really lovely people.''
Parkerson has the rare distinction of being the oldest woman to compete in this year's Golden Olympics. The College of William and Mary hosted the annual sports event, held for Virginia seniors 55 and over. She represented her age group (80-84) proudly and walked away with gold medals in the mixed doubles tennis, singles tennis and the discus throw.
This was the 13th year that Parkerson competed. The former Bayside Elementary principal has won 53 medals since then - 31 gold, 16 silver and six bronze. That's not bad for someone who started her competitive sports career at the age of 70.
``I used to play tennis when I was much younger,'' said the young-looking Parkerson, a resident of Westminster-Canterbury. ``Then I didn't play for 30 years while I was working. The doctor tells me not to get overheated and to keep on playing. He thinks it's probably lengthening my life.''
Parkerson started playing tennis again in 1980, a year after her husband died, because a friend suggested it would be therapeutic for her. After a few games Parkerson became hooked and has rarely missed a Monday and Wednesday practice at Bayville Farms or a Friday practice at the Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, despite being on medication to control arrhythmia of the heart.
``If I feel good I'm keeping on playing,'' she said. ``I think tennis is a nice activity for older people. I have been blessed with really good health, I really have.''
The Virginia Golden Olympics, in its 16th year, is considered to be the premier athletic event for seniors. Events include archery, golf, swimming, track and field,horseshoes, bowling and card games. Parkerson entered the discus throw for the first time this year and took the gold.
``When you get up to my age group, there aren't too many other competitors,'' she said with a laugh.
Next year Parkerson will be competing again and she hopes to see more seniors at the event, as well as more media coverage.
``I would like to encourage other seniors to go to the olympics,'' she said. ``You have a lot of fun, meet new people. It's a nice activity for older people.''
ARE YOU AN ANIMAL LOVER who would like to brighten the day of others?
The SPCA is in desperate need of volunteers this summer (and beyond) for its Pet Therapy program.
Volunteers take puppies and kittens from the shelter and carry them around in area nursing homes, letting residents hold and play with the animals. As someone who has done this, I can say that Pet Therapy is a very worthwhile program. I've seen residents who never seemed to smile, laugh or comprehend anything light up when a cuddly puppy or kitten is placed in their laps.
Susan Wagner, education coordinator for the SPCA, said that retired people are ``wonderful'' with Pet Therapy.
``We would love to have more older people volunteering with the program,'' she said. ``But you have to walk around a lot and carry the animals - you can't have a bad back or weak arms.''
Volunteers are needed for Pet Therapy at these times and places:
The first Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. at Camelot Hall.
The second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Beth Sholom.
The third Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. at Bayside Health Care.
The fourth Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. at Holmes Convalescent Center.
If you would like to volunteer for the program, call Susan Wagner or volunteer coordinator Peggy Gibbs at 427-0070 for an application form and interview.
by CNB