Senior Corner

Sept/Oct 2006
By Olga & Stan Kahan,

Co-Chairs, USATT Senior Committee

949-830-6699 (ph) • naf@berkeley.edu

“Fitness for the fun of it” – the main motto was advertised in the Spring 2006 issue of Nevada Senior Athlete.  “Are you frustrated in maintaining your physical fitness because of a lack of opportunity for adequate competitive table tennis in your specific age group, i.e. those 40-49 year olds, the group of players which is still excluded in most local state senior table tennis games?” asked Dan Cravens, who will be directing table tennis events on Friday October 7, in Dula Gymnasium, LV Blvd and Bonanza,  Las Vegas.  However, the yellow insert in the Registration Packet of the 2006 Nevada Senior Games specifies that a Masters Program is being initiated on a trial basis for inclusion in this year’s Senior Olympics activity.  It is an innovation which might change the course of table tennis activities, which might be of great interest to the senior age group, namely those table tennis enthusiasts who are approaching the middle age bracket.  “Your age group might not qualify for the National Senior Olympics but you will enjoy all the rewards that competition and good health provides, conclude the proponents of this change.  (More information is available at www.nevadaseniorolympics.com, 702-242-1590).

David Zhuang, the former U.S. Champion, took first place in Over 40 Singles at the Meiklejohn North American Senior Championships by defeating Atanda Musa this past June, and received the $1500 prize.  (All USATT members over age 40 are eligible.) We wish both young competitors to reach a ripe old age and participate with us for many years. 

In the same tournament, last June, octogenarian Sonia Flynn from Vancouver, BC, Canada took first place in the Women’s Over 70.  She started playing in Canadian Senior Games in 1992 and since then has continued her search for “gold” in local and international tournaments, culminating with her efforts in Bremen, Germany, last May at the World Seniors: Gold for Woman’s Singles over 80, and Silver for Doubles Over 80.  Five years ago, Sonia became a coordinator for Greater Vancouver, Canada.  In the World Masters Games in Edmonton, Alberta, she captured three golds and one silver.  She practices twice a week at the Bosor Recreational Centre and once at the Chinese United Church, Vancouver. Sonia supports the USATT Senior Committee’s recommendation for organizing the first Continental Senior Tournament in Las Vegas, in the near future.  “It’s a great idea!” I would like to call on other players from Canada to join U.S. forces to achieve this wonderful goal!