It may have been three years since nearly 200 Carbon County seniors gathered for an Olympic-style competition, but when the games opened, it appeared no one missed a beat.

The 2022 Carbon County Senior Games kicked off Tuesday after being on hiatus since 2019 because of the pandemic.

Anne Horrigan, director of the games, said approximately 180 seniors ranging from 60 to in their 90s signed up.

This is a little lower than the 200 the games normally boasts, but overall, Horrigan was happy with the turnout.

“We had to change the dates” and work around student schedules and venue availabilities, Horrigan said. “We planned it not knowing if we were really going to see it happen. So we’re very happy to see everybody and everybody is glad to come and meet old friends.”

When asked if the games feel different now that they are actually able to be played again, Horrigan said no.

“I thought it was going to feel new and different, but actually when we walked in here and saw everybody, it just felt like old times. It was very comfortable and joyous.”

Participants agreed.

Mario Iezzoni of Summit Hill, who is in the 85-89 division for the Panther Valley team, said it was good the games were back.

“The games are something you look forward to every year and enjoy seeing who is still here,” he said. “I thank the good Lord that we are still here.”

Eighty-one-year-old Norman Sutters of Lehighton said it is good to be back, but he noticed a lot of people missing since the last games were held.

The games kicked off with an opening ceremony, led by Horrigan; Carbon County Commissioners Chris Lukasevich, Rocky Ahner and Wayne Nothstein, who also participated for the Lehighton team; and Susan Zeigler, director of the Area Agency on Aging. Panther Valley JROTC cadets posted the colors, while participant Martha Moyer and Barb Schmidt, accompanied by Maestro Randall Perry, led the participants in the national anthem.

The commissioners welcomed everyone back and wished the participants luck, but also reminded them that the games were not only about competition, but making lasting friendships.

Nothstein announced that the 2023 Carbon County Senior Games are already in the planning stages for May 2, 2023.