May 31, 2005 -- Read press release below the photos
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Dozens of athletes representing Houston in the Senior Olympics attended a luncheon in the Mayor's Conference Room.
Event organizer C. Patrick McIlvain introduces Mayor White's father and mother.
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Track athlete shows off her medals.
Kristin Cox, from the office of Council Member Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, reads a proclamation.
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Basketball gold medalists from the 65-69 age group.
Basketball gold medalists from the 50-54 age group.
MAYOR HOSTS FIRST OFFICIAL "SEND OFF" OF SENIOR OLYMPIANS More than 60 Houstonians to Compete at National Senior Olympics
May 31, 2005 -- Some are fierce competitors with dozens of medals, some began a fitness routine after surviving cancer or while facing some other serious illness. But they all say the camaraderie and health benefits outweigh the prizes. They are more than half a century old and preparing to compete in the National Senior Olympics in June. Their boosters include Mayor Bill White; the mayor's parents and in-laws, Bill & Gloria White, and Patsi & A.J. Ferguson; Olympian Mary Lou Retton; and Houston City Council Member Ron Green, who make up the first-ever City of Houston Senior Olympics Host Committee.
Mayor White will deliver the Olympic torch to the group and encourage them to bring back victories as they promote health and fitness for seniors.
"The first Bill White, my dad, instilled in us the importance of an athletic routine for our well-being. I could not be prouder of his history of athletic accomplishment. And of both my parents for being a part of this Host Committee," said Mayor White.
Senior Olympian Patrick McIlvain, carried the torch during the opening Houston ceremonies earlier this spring and is organizer of the City Send-Off.
The Send-Off will be held, Tuesday, May 31 st in the Mayor's Conference Room, the City Hall basement level at 1:30pm following a brief luncheon.
The National Senior Olympic Games will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania June 3-19, 2005.
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