The sun was shining as seniors from around Carbon County gathered in Lehighton for the opening day of the 2026 Carbon County Senior Games.

The annual multiday Olympic style event kicked off with smiles, laughs and a lot of cheering.

Approximately 235 residents ages 60 and older gathered at the Lehighton Recreation Center to put their skills to the test in hopes of winning a medal in various events like cornhole, ladder ball, billiards, dancing, bowling and more.

Competitors were thrilled to catch up with friends, while also welcoming newcomers.

The opening ceremony began with the Panther Valley JROTC color guard presenting the American flag and the national anthem being sun by competitor and local singer, Martha Moyer.

Susan Zeigler, director of the Area Agency on Aging, welcomed everyone and told them that it is important to stay active as they age.

The Senior Games are typically held in May, which has been designated as Older Americans Month in the hopes of helping seniors stay socially and physically active.

Commissioners’ Chairman Mike Sofranko and Commissioner Wayne Nothstein then spoke to the crowd.

Sofranko said that it was nice to see so many smiling faces for the games year after year.

He then held up the annual Senior Games book from the last year, explaining that the book is a highlight reel of all that the seniors did since the last games.

“This book tells a story,” he said before urging everyone to continue telling that story as they compete in this year’s games. “Best of luck to all of you. May you stay safe out there and enjoy the company with each other.”

Nothstein, who also says he will one day participate in the games, thanked everyone for always supporting this initiative.

“You guys are great and you got to keep coming out,” he said.

Anne Horrigan, director of the senior games, announced one change so far to the schedule. Those participating in the billiards competition that had been slated for the Panther Valley Senior Center will now be held at the New Columbus Fire Company.

She then led the competitors in the Senior Games Oath before officially opening the 2026 round of competition.