Leonard "Rosie" Ross

R. Waldo McBurney

Stanley Kunitz

George Blevins won the past two National Senior Games singles tournaments for the over 75 age group — first in Hampton, Va., four years ago and then two years ago in Pittsburgh, Pa. 
       George says proudly: "I've been bowling regularly for 93 years. I don't think anyone else can say that." 
       A native of Kentucky, George defended his title successfully in Louisville at the beginning of July and came away, once again, with a gold medal. This time, George was the only 100 year-old bowler and one of two centenarians participating in the games. 
       George says he began bowling at the age of seven and continued to bowl while a student at Purdue University and during his long career as special assignment engineer for International Harvester. 

       One year, George proudly tells, he was the captain of five different teams.  Now that's the type of a commitment that has carried him for all these years.  George bowls regularly three times a week now, with a 151 average.  He credits clean living and a "steady diet of 10 pins" for at least part of his extraordinary longevity and robust health.

The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is the nation's leading organization representing fitness and sports interests for mature adults. NSGA is the U.S. Olympic Committee's official arm to seniors and functions in cooperation with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Established in 1986, the NSGA serves as the umbrella organization for 50 Member State Games and some 350 Local and Regional Games. More than 250,000 mature adults are involved in training, competition, and education on a year-round basis.

John W. Donnelly is a past National Senior Games champion at table tennis and a gold medal winner in the Florida Senior Games State Championships. John, the oldest player at the 2007 National Senior Games, received a gold medal again for his participation.
          John began playing table tennis in high school. After college, in the 1920s, he became a stock broker in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and retired his paddle for 30 years. In 1980, John moved to Florida and founded a table tennis club in the community in which he lives. He still plays four to five times per week.
         Seven years ago, John met Marian, who became his wife in 2001. The couple is active, enjoying  the arts — ballets and symphonies — an other cultural events. They even spent three weeks traveling throughout Europe in the summer of 2006.

       John's health diminished in December of 2006 when he battled pneumonia; it was a long fight and though his recovery was slow, John was determined to play in the 2007 National Senior Games in June. And, play he did.

Leonard "Rosie" Ross

R. Waldo McBurney

Stanley Kunitz