All photos courtesy of Illinois Senior Olympics, Inc.

Senior Olympics:
A tradition of fun and fitness

By Barb Valiukenas

Eight years ago, Al Kamm returned from a vacation trip with an idea. He shared the gift with thousands of older people when he helped organize the first Illinois Senior Olympics.

Dr. Alfred Kamm of Buffalo was impressed with Florida's Golden Age Olympics while visiting his daughter there in 1976. Charles Westfall, director of the Springfield Recreation Department, shared Kamm's interest in, and enthusiasm for, the project. A special policy committee was created to discuss the feasibility of holding Senior Olympic competition in Illinois. Ben Green, now director of the Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department, was chairman of events and rules for the State's first Senior Olympics in October, 1977. State Rep. Josephine Oblinger (R., Sherman), then the director of the Illinois Department on Aging, also supported the Olympics idea.

Unlike the week-long Florida program that featured physical activities, board games and crafts, the Illinois Senior Olympics focuses on three days of physical activities. The competition has grown from approximately 135 to more than 400 participants. An estimated 500 men and women age 55 and older are expected to participate in this year's competition Sept. 28-30 in Springfield. The 40 events will include swimming, track and field, golf, bowling, tennis and various bike races.

Only a small percentage of the Senior Olympians, Kamm says, have ever been in competitive events.

"There isn't that gung-ho attitude among older people," Kamm explained. "Some other people who might walk 40, 50 or 60 miles a week are addicted to exercise.

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"We (Senior Olympians) want to be in tip-top shape, but we do it more for fun."

Ideas for competitive events often come from evaluation sheets filled out by the Olympians. The Olympics' Board, which includes Kamm, decides which events will be held. For example, the Board adopted a suggestion to include badminton in the competitive events, but ruled out gymnastics. The Board also works on rules, hospitality and public relations for the Olympics.

The Senior Olympics have enjoyed an almost injury-free record. Kamm recalls only one serious incident when a man who was entered in a walk race suffered a heart attack. "He was treated and came back the next year," Kamm said.

Kamm, 81, emphasizes a visit to the doctor, training and common sense as prerequisites for participation in the Senior Olympics. His favorite events include baseball, swimming and jogging.

Only a few of the Olympians have ever been in competitive events.

A native of Poland, Kamm graduated from the University of Illinois Coaching School in 1926. He later received a masters degree in physical education and recreation from the Teachers' College at Columbia University and his doctor of education degree from New York University.

His career includes professional positions nationwide. Kamm has established and administered recreational programs for developmentally disabled youths and adults, and for employees of state mental health institutions. He has also devoted much time to educating the public about mental health. The work he did at Anna State Hospital in southern Illinois was recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. Kamm also spent 16 years working at a variety of summer camps.

Kamm was superintendent of instruction for retarded youths in Godfrey, Ill., before joining the State Office of Public Instruction. He retired from State service in 1971 after working in program development for gifted, Title 1 and trainable children.

Kamm has been active in senior citizen activities in the Springfield area since 1960. He is one of the charter members of the Springfield Senior Citizens Commission. He was also instrumental in establishing the free movie program for seniors at the Illinois State Museum and organizing the Springfield chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Kamm, who is a medal winner from previous Senior Olympics, says he and other Senior Olympians will be competing again this year "to win."

SENIOR OLYMPICS VII Dates: September 28, 29, 30 Location: Springfield, Illinois Contestants: Men and women age 55 and older Competitions: 40 events including swimming, track and field, bowling and golf Sponsors: The Senior Olympic, Inc., the Springfield Recreation Department and the Illinois Governor's Council on Health and Physical Fitness Entries: Further information and last minute entries can be obtained from Annette Fuchs, Illinois Senior Olympics, Springfield Recreation Department, 1415 North Grand Avenue East, Springfield, Illinois 62702. Phone (217) 789-2284.

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