In the words of the late Joe “Chubby” Carnish, a past member of the Panther Valley senior team, “If you want the gold, you’ve got to get old.”

More than 200 area senior citizens and volunteers gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the 2017 Carbon County Senior Games in the hopes of putting, shooting, dancing, tossing and bowling into this year’s winner’s circle over the eight days of competition.The kickoff celebration for the 29th annual event was held at the Lehighton Recreation Center, Eighth and Iron streets. This year’s competitors include seniors from Panther Valley, Weatherly and Jim Thorpe/Penn Kidder seniors, which make up the North Carbon County team and returning champs, Lehighton and Palmerton senior centers, which make up the South Carbon County team.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 introduced guest speakers.“You are an inspiration to all older adults in our Carbon County and in our nation,” she said.Susan Zeigler, administrator of Carbon County’s Area Agency on Aging, the organization that puts on the games annually, said, “This is a great time to make new friends.”Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard wished everyone the best during the competition, adding that it is amazing to see so many seniors participating.“It’s not about winning. It’s about doing your best and giving it your all,” he said. “And at the end, if you do that, it’s going to be a great competition.”Commissioner William O’Gurek, commented on the program’s success and wished the seniors luck.Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein, a participant for the Lehighton team, said he was ready for this year’s competition.He provided a few laughs and even broke out the Wheaties cereal box, saying he was eating his Wheaties because it was “the breakfast of champions.”The commissioners also commended the office on aging for making this a successful annual event.Participants recited the senior games oath before Horrigan announced the official start of the games.“Let the games begin,” the participants yelled.The 2017 Carbon County Senior Games will continue through May 11 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.Horrigan said the miniature golf and bowling events will be changed due to the weather forecast on Friday.Miniature golf at Heisler’s Dairy Bar will now take place on Monday, while bowling and pingpong will be held on Friday.The games will conclude at 4 p.m. on May 11 with a banquet at Dean Anthony’s in Jim ThorpeThe results of the 2017 Carbon County Senior Games will be published in the Times News.Check it out every day to see who is leading this year’s competition, and visit tnonline.com to see pictures of each day’s events in the online photo galleries.