The 2023 Carbon County Senior Games kicked off Tuesday with a record number of participants.

Approximately 230 seniors, ages 60 and older, from all over Carbon County gathered at the Lehighton Recreation Center to put their skills to the test in the hopes of winning a medal.

This is the first full event since 2019. Last year, the games were abbreviated after returning from a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic.

Competitors were thrilled to see their friends, and several newcomers got to see what the games were all about.

Anne Horrigan, director of the games, welcomed the participants to this year’s games, thanking her staff, as well as the Panther Valley JROTC color guard and student volunteers for making the event possible.

“It’s great to see you all here and all the happy faces of everyone raring to go,” she said.

Sue Zeigler, director of the Area Agency on Aging, said that the games help seniors stay healthy, gain friendships and remain active.

She pointed out that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act.

Commissioners Rocky Ahner and Chris Lukasevich also spoke about the importance of the games.

Following the speakers, the competitors recited the Senior Games Oath before officially starting another year of competition.