AARP

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age. With offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin islands, AARP strengthens communities and advocated for what matters most to families: Health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired educator who sought to improve the retirement benefits of fellow teachers after she discovered a teacher who had worked for her living in a chicken coop as she was too impoverished to afford housing or health care. Ms. Andrus founded the National Retired Teachers Association, then AARP so older people could live their lives with dignity and purpose.

AARP is thrilled to be inducted into the Huntsman World Senior Games Hall of Fame. They are honored as the Games personify the mission of the AARP to have people live their lives to the fullest. The Games are inspirational to people of all ages to strive for excellence.

Dick and Bunny Adams

Dick and Bunny Adams participated in the Games for 18 years as dancers and volunteers. Dick and Bunny state that they were very fortunate to be in attendance the first time Square Dancing was introduced at the Games. They are grateful to those who had the faith that the dancers would come if the event was offered. They believe that Square dancing is not a competition – it is pure fun!

They received a gold medal in their first competition. This led them to spread their enthusiasm for the event, which has now grown to include other national competitions.  Dick and Bunny say that their most important job as volunteers is to make the coffee. They also volunteer as timers for the event.

When asked about their feeling of being inducted, they state “We are very proud to be inducted into the Huntsman World Senior Games Hall of Fame, and we are humbled by the honor. It has been a pleasure to attend and a joy to dance all of these years at such an outstanding event. The opening ceremonies are a thrill to watch and seeing all of the athletes from all over the world is amazing. Participating in the Games is a lesson in humankind and lets us learn the beauty of other cultures”.

William Christensen

Bill has participated in the Games for 25 years. He has won medals every year in golf, and also played tennis for three years.  Bill is an all-around athlete and started playing golf when he was 12. His athleticism was a benefit when he was in the 10^th Mountain Division in 1944 and fought in the Apennine Mountains and PO Valley in Italy, for which he received the Bronze Star.

Bill loves the social aspect of the Games, and enjoys playing with and meeting new friends each year. When asked to share his feeling on being inducted into the Hall of Fame, he said “I look to playing in the Games as a highlight of every year. I have made many friends, and have enjoyed watching many of the other events”.

Steven Coleman

Steven has competed in the Games in both Archery Target and Archery 3D for eight years and has been a Director for the event since 2015. He comes every year from South Carolina and has been a huge influence on the growth of the events.

Steven says that he was invited to attend and has been hooked ever since that first competition. He feels that with the assistance of so many wonderful people that he is able to run the greatest archery event in the world. He is pleased to have been able to meet some of the best archers in the world such as Ed and Joan Eliason, Frank and Becki Person, Jim White and many more. 

As to his feeling of being inducted, Steven states “I am honored, but not quite sure if I’ve earned it. I help with the archery event, work and shoot and train for next year. It is simple and sweet, and I love it”.

Roger Flick

Roger has been involved with the Huntsman World Senior Games for 20 years. He was the first Director of the Racquetball events in 1990 and has been the driving force behind the program. He has participated as a volunteer and a player enjoys both aspects. Roger has served as the President of the Utah Racquetball Association for two terms, is the President of the National Sons of Utah Pioneers, has taught at BYU for 44 years, and coached the BYU Racquetball Team, leading them to three National Championships.

Roger shares his feelings about his Hall of Fame induction by saying “I feel grateful that Racquetball can be represented in some small way in the Hall of Fame. This recognition came as an unexpected and pleasant surprise. I’m honored by the confidence and support. I have great admiration for the Games program for promoting ‘Friendship, Peace, and Health’ among the players and the service-oriented workers. It has been overwhelming to see so many volunteers who give so freely of their time and energy. It has been wonderful to network with so many players and friends over the years, and experience the opportunity to share our love, kindness, care for each other, and our fun”.

Mike Freshley

Mike has participated in the Games for 23 years, during which he has accumulated 160 Gold and 28 Silver medals. He has also set 19 world records in 2016 for the men’s age 75-79.  Mike has been in the Master’s Swimming for 25 years. Besides his swimming successes, Mike was an All American athlete in basketball and track.

On learning about his induction into the Huntsman World Senior Games Hall of Fame, Mike states “It is an honor to be included in this group of distinguished athletes”.

Josephine Kellejan

Josephine has been a volunteer for the Huntsman Games for 15 years and has assisted in events such as the Opening Ceremonies, cycling, registration, and refreshments. Josephine was born in Marseille, France and graduated from the College of Michelet. She lived through the Nazi occupation and witnessed the landing of the allied troops in southern France in August of 1944.

She came to New York in 1946 and lived there until retiring from her work at a law firm. She decided to move to St. George after visiting a friend who had moved here and had to learn to drive at age 66 when she relocated to the west.

Josephine says “I have been volunteering for several years, and enjoy meeting new people very much. I make sure that those who are attending are happy, and do my best to accommodate everyone who attends”.

Lavor Neuenswander

Lavor first participated in the Huntsman World Senior Games in 1998 when he was invited to play softball with the Emerald City Masters. He said it was a great experience that renewed his love of sports and gave him the incentive to have sports and exercise in his life.

He played softball and golf and later added Racquetball as well. He says that is is a great experience to play sports and win medals, but that’s not what the Games are really about – it is the love of the games, friendships that are made, getting out of our chairs and being active, and taking care of our body that is the most important.

On being inducted, Lavor states “I consider this a great honor and really support the goals of the Huntsman World Senior Games. They have played an important role in our lives. The importance of activity and sports and the value of the health screenings is immeasurable”.

Leon and Myrtle Ott

Lee and Myrt Ott participated in the Games for 20 years. Lee and Myrt were born near Green Bay, Wisconsin three weeks apart in 1932. They were married in 1952 and were married for 66 years until Lee passed away in October of 2018, one week after volunteering at the Games.

Lee was an Army veteran, master plumber, and built four of their homes in his spare time. Besides volunteering for the Games, he also volunteered with the BLM, Institute for Continued Learning, the St. George Art Museum, Tuacahn and various other local music and sports programs.

Myrt enjoyed growing up with 11 siblings and worked as a civilian secretary for the Army and YMCA while raising their two children. She also has volunteered for many organizations and is a master baker and jam maker. Myrt says that throughout the past 20 years of volunteering with the Games, they came to see many of the same folks every year. One of Myrt's favorite memories is having three generations from the same family in the swimming competition. She says that in 2018 Lee came home from volunteering at the volleyball event and said “I’m doing that again next year!”, which sadly was not to be.

On their induction into the Hall of Fame, Myrt states ”I am honored that you have selected Lee and me to be in the Huntsman Hall of Fame. Volunteering has brought joy and satisfaction to both of our lives. I am sorry that Lee isn’t here today; he would have been thrilled”.