It was off to the races Tuesday morning as more than 200 area senior citizens and volunteers gathered to celebrate the opening of the 2015 Carbon County Senior Games.

The kickoff celebration for the 27th annual event was held at the Lehighton Recreational Center, Eighth and Iron streets. This year's competitors include seniors from Panther Valley, Lehighton, Palmerton, Weatherly and Jim Thorpe/Penn Kidder senior centers.The opening ceremony began with a presentation of colors by members of the Panther Valley JROTC and the singing of the national anthem by Jim Thorpe team member Martha Moyer.Anne Horrigan, coordinator of the games, welcomed everyone and then introduced guest speakers.Carbon County Commissioner William O'Gurek welcomed the participants and thanked everyone for making the games possible."We as commissioners are very happy and pleased to be able to sponsor the Senior Olympics because it is an opportunity for each of you to once again spend time together, relax and have some friendly competition," O'Gurek said.He recognized the seniors who make the games as successful as they are and wished everyone good luck.Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard echoed his colleague's sentiment and commended the participants for their dedication to making the senior games a success.He added that the meaning behind the games is not about the competition for the medals, but it is the friendships that are created, the memories that are made and the opportunities that the men and women of the county have to get out and enjoy their time.Commissioners' Chairman Wayne Nothstein had a special announcement for the Lehighton seniors. This year he will join the team and participate in the games.Before the official opening of the 2015 Senior Games, participants recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the senior games oath.The 2015 Carbon County Senior Games will continue through May 14 for county residents age 60 and older. Locations for this year's events include the Lehighton Recreational Center, Jim Thorpe/Penn Kidder Senior Center, Panther Valley Senior Center, Nesquehoning VFW, Fairview Hose Company of Jim Thorpe, Heisler's Dairy Bar, Cypress Lanes, Fritz's Lanes and Baer Memorial Field. The games will conclude with a banquet at Mahoning Valley Ambulance Hall.Editor's Note: Daily results of the 2015 Carbon County Senior Games will be published in the Times News. Grab a copy every day to see who is leading this year's competition, and make sure to visit tnonline.com to see pictures of each day's event in the online photo galleries.