Shreveport Celebrates Senior Athletics with a Unique Twist
On a sunny afternoon in Shreveport, Louisiana, excitement filled the air as Mayor Tom Arceneaux stepped up to the plate for a round of bean bag baseball. This wasn’t your typical baseball game; it featured a fun, friendly competition held at the Garden Apartments at The Oaks on September 25. Residents gathered to celebrate the success of their beloved team, the Astros, who had recently clinched a victory in the Senior Olympics. What a fantastic way to honor their achievement!
A Game Like No Other
You might be wondering, what exactly is bean bag baseball? It’s an innovative, delightful twist on the traditional game that uses a corn hole board and, naturally, bean bags instead of bats and balls. Players pitch the bags at the board as they aim for the holes, which add up to runs much like in regular baseball. Lisa Fredrick, the senior activity coordinator at The Oaks Louisiana, remarked, “It’s a very athletic game for the senior adults here because you have to move just about all your parts of your body if you want to make sure you get a home run.”
Don’t let their age fool you, though—these seniors take their games seriously! The enthusiasm and competitive spirit radiated throughout the energy in the courtyard as everyone cheered and encouraged each other. It was heartwarming to see seniors engage and showcase their athleticism through such an interactive game.
Mayor Arceneaux Joins the Fun
Mayor Arceneaux was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate. The joy was evident on his face as he engaged with the residents. With a big smile, the mayor said he truly appreciated the chance to connect with the athletes, sharing laughs and enjoying the spirited atmosphere. “It’s always great to join the community in such a joyful way. I had a blast playing,” he added, embodying the essence of community spirit.
A Celebration of Athleticism and Community
This event exemplified how important community events are, highlighting not only the talents but also the friendships that blossom among the residents. The entire afternoon felt like a celebration of life and activity, a wonderful reminder that age doesn’t define our ability to stay active and engaged. As Lisa put it, “Bean bag baseball is a fantastic way for seniors to enjoy the thrilling aspects of their favorite sport without the physical strain of traditional baseball.”
The positive energy radiating around the event was contagious, and many spectators couldn’t help but join in the cheers and laughter echoing throughout the venue. Residents reminisced about their younger days playing baseball, sharing stories that ignited camaraderie and brought everyone a little closer together.
Continuing the Spirit of Sportsmanship
As the game continued and bags flew through the air, it became clear that this was more than just a game; it was an opportunity for these seniors to showcase their skills, unite as a community, and enjoy a day of fun and laughs. It’s heartwarming to see how such games foster a sense of belonging and pride among residents.
As the sun set on this memorable day, it left behind warm memories of fun, friendship, and a wonderful display of sportsmanship. With events like these, it’s clear that Shreveport’s seniors are not just sitting on the sidelines—they’re actively participating in life, proving that age is just a number when it comes to playing and enjoying your favorite games.
