The 2025 Carbon County Senior Games kicked off Tuesday with smiles, laughs and a lot of cheering.

More than 225 residents 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. They will compete in various events, including cornhole, ladder ball, billiards, darts, dancing and more.

Competitors were thrilled to see their friends, and several newcomers were welcomed during the opening event.

The opening ceremony began with members of the Panther Valley JROTC color guard presenting the American flag before the national anthem was performed, led by Martha Moyer.

Sue Zeigler, director of the Area Agency on Aging, welcomed everyone and noted that the games are held in May as part of Older Americans Act.

She said that this year’s theme for the act is to look at the misconceptions of life after retirement and the importance of staying active.

“And what a great opportunity with the Senior Games,” Zeigler said before introducing Commissioners Mike Sofranko, Wayne Nothstein and Rocky Ahner.

Sofranko thanked the Area Agency on Aging and the schools that send students to help with the games.

He shared a story of a little girl last year being proud of her grandmother for winning a medal in the “Olympics.”

Sofranko said that stories like this show that the youth of the county are watching and learning from their grandparents and the competitors at the games are showing the children about the importance of getting out and getting moving daily.

He wished everyone luck and many smiles during the next two weeks.

Nothstein recognized the veterans in attendance, as well as welcomed first-time participants, noting that everyone should be proud for being part of the games.

He urged everyone to have fun, enjoy each other and make new friends.

Ahner echoed his colleagues’ thoughts.

“It’s good to see everyone coming out here,” he said.

Anne Horrigan, director of the senior games, announced that based on the weather forecast, the miniature golf event at Heisler’s Cloverleaf Dairy in the Lewistown Valley, may be postponed until next Thursday; however, a final decision will be made closer to the end of the week.

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

This year’s competition includes 227 seniors from the five Carbon County senior centers.

The breakdown of participants by center:

North Seniors

Overall total: 91

Weatherly: 17

Panther Valley: 21

Jim Thorpe/Penn Kidder: 53

South Seniors

Overall total: 136

Lehighton: 80 (all-time high)

Palmerton: 56 (all-time high)