DATE: Friday, May 16, 1997                  TAG: 9705140181

SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 11   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY SCOTT MCCASKEY, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   77 lines

SENIORS GIVE GAMES A GOLD MEDAL FOR FUN AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION ABOUT 350 SENIORS TOOK PART IN EVENTS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HEALTH, FRIENDSHIP.

Pat J. Alvino already had several medals hanging from his neck as he sank another basket. The 77-year-old retired Navy chief was practicing, hoping to earn another Top 3 finish in the basketball free-throw competition.

``The warm-up definitely helped,'' the Portsmouth resident said after the event. ``I got a silver in the basketball. The medals are nice, but the whole day has just been a lot of fun.''

Alvino was among some 350 seniors from Portsmouth and surrounding cities who took part in the 2nd annual PAGO Games and Health Rally that ended Saturday at Churchland High School. PAGO, or Portsmouth Area Golden Olympians, is an organization designed to support physical activity among local seniors.

City residents Bob and Mary Stuart won silver medals in balloon catch and Frisbee, and balloon catch and bowling, respectively. The couple, like many of the competitors, seemed to enjoy the camaraderie as much as being in the winners circle.

``The games are fun, but the people are more fun,'' said Mary R. Stuart, 72. The games began May 5 and featured more than 30 categories of competition, ranging from swimming and golf to horseshoes and dominoes. Events were held at various sites around the city and were divided according to gender and age. The games were open to seniors 55 and up.

The final day was kicked off with the the lighting of an Olympic-style light in the courtyard behind Churchland High School. Mayor James W. Holley III gave the welcoming address.

In addition to the competition, local and national health care providers offered free, on-site tests of hearing and sight, and blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Lunch also was offered, as well as an ice cream social and dance exhibition after the games.

Margie M. Connor and Phyllis C. Creamer, co-founders of the event, said the turnout had increased by about 75 people from last year, the first year of the games.

``This went a lot smoother than last year,'' said Conner, 57, a recreation program specialist for Portsmouth's Department of Parks, Recreation and General Services. ``And we added more events, including five-pin bowling and indoor shuffleboard for the physically challenged.''

PAGO is primarily sponsored by Portsmouth's Department of Parks, Recreation and General Services, and the Mayor's Commission on Aging. The games had support from a variety of corporate, civic and city agencies. But it was the 60 student volunteers from Churchland High School who really helped keep things running on schedule, according to Creamer.

``It can be difficult to coordinate things because all the events are so spread out,'' said Creamer, 53, the executive director of the American Red Cross in Portsmouth. ``The students were right there for anything we needed.''

Many of the volunteering pupils, such as Thom A. Grubbs, are members of the high school's National Honor Society.

``It was great being out here,'' said Grubbs, 18, a senior at the high school. ``The seniors are having as much fun as kids. And a couple of those guys could toss that shot put.''

Jessica L. Mann, 15, is a sophomore, and a member of the honor society.

``The seniors are inspirational,'' she said. ``Old people are so cool.''

Although PAGO has been in existence for 10 years, the group has only held official competitions during the past two years, to mark Older Americans Month in May. Before the inception of the local games, many PAGO members competed in the state games. This year, the group is sending a delegation of contestants to compete at the state-level Senior Games in Williamsburg on May 28-31.

``We sent a busload from Portsmouth last year,'' Creamer said. ``They brought back over 100 medals.'' MEMO: For more information about PAGO, call the Portsmouth Senior Center

at 398-3777. ILLUSTRATION: Photos by SCOTT McCASKEY

Above, Portsmouth residents Mary and Bob Stuart won silver medals in

the balloon catch and Frisbee, and balloon catch and bowling during

the competitions at the Portsmouth Area Golden Olympians event on

Saturday.

Left, Pat J. Alvino, also of Portsmouth, warms up for the free throw

contest. He later won a silver medal.

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