Carbon County officials have officially canceled the 2020 Senior Games in an effort to keep the participants safe during the COVID-19 pandemic that is gripping our nation.

The Carbon County Senior Games were not scheduled until May, but as a precaution, the county commissioners, on Tuesday, announced this year’s games would not be held.

“I’m disappointed, but I think it’s good for the safety of the seniors and the students who would normally be involved,” said Maureen Hirochek of Nesquehoning.

She and her husband, Lewis, have participated in the games for several years as part of the Panther Valley Senior Center.

Anne Horrigan, coordinator for the games, said Tuesday afternoon via email that the county most likely wouldn’t be able to just postpone the event for later this year because the games, in addition to the participants, depend on the student volunteers who give their time to making sure each competition runs smoothly. Currently, schools are shut down for two weeks as a precaution, but when students will return is not certain.

“Personally, I’m very sad, but we have to do all we can to protect the most vulnerable population from COVID-19,” Horrigan said.

During a press conference announcing a number of changes to county operations over the next several weeks, Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said, “We understand the seniors’ concern. It’s not an easy decision for us because so many look forward to it and it’s a great time for gathering, but they have to understand it’s for their safety also that we are doing this.”

Nothstein added that the county could hopefully plan something in the future to give seniors something to look forward to.

In addition, all Carbon County Senior Centers are closed indefinitely as a precaution, but frozen meals are being distributed to replace the daily meals served at the centers. Participants can pick their meals up at the centers on Wednesday.

As a reaction to the additional closure, Hirochek said, “I can’t wait for the senior center to open again. I miss the socialization.”