Senior Games Invocation

I was honored to deliver the Invocation to the Athletes at the 2009 National Summer Senior Games. I must admit I was very nervous as I had never done an invocation before.

It had to be non-denominational and universal, so I chose to focus on the Olympic spirit as my theme. It was a very powerful experience for me to have such a huge responsibility — these Senior Games are very much like an Olympic Event and the “spirit” of the games was evident the second I walked into the arena and saw the 10,000 participants in attendance.

They have overcome so many obstacles to get to the Games! The organizing committee led by Anne Cribbs, Olympic Gold Medalist in 1960, incorporated Olympians throughout the event. Dick Fosbury, famous high jumper, carried the torch into the arena — I totally got chills!

I met Bruce Jenner and Steve Young in the green room prior to the event. They each had roles helping present to the athletes. It was a wonderful infusion of current and past great athletes and Olympians! I had a great time!

Carrying the Torch

I carried the torch for the last leg of the torch relay for the Summer National Senior Games. There are 10,000 senior athletes from around the world competing in the Games here at Stanford from now until August 15. I was honored to be chosen as the last runner to pass the torch to the two athletes to light the cauldron to officially begin the Games.

When I got the torch, I had a flood of emotion as I remembered my experience as an Olympian watching the torch enter the Olympic Stadium in Atlanta. Crowds were cheering for me as I held the torch high—I had to hold back tears... It was more exciting than I ever imagined!

I have so much respect for the athletes! I hope to be where they are as I get older. They are role models for what’s possible at any stage of life.