Originally Posted by Humana
Humana encourages seniors to pursue a healthy lifestyle – regardless of age or athletic ability
Health and well-being company Humana, a presenting sponsor of the National Senior Games, is honoring eleven athletes as Humana Game Changers — individuals who exemplify healthy aging and provide encouragement, motivation and inspiration for all to age actively.
This year’s honorees hail from across the country and range in age from 52 to 97. They will compete in 20 sports at the National Senior Games including cycling, basketball, horseshoes, pickleball, badminton, swimming, power walking and track and field. The Games will be held in Albuquerque, N.M., from June 14 to June 25.
The Humana Game Changers demonstrate how regular physical activity can positively impact overall health – no matter their age or athletic ability. For example, Kathy Meares, a 72-year-old speed walker from Baton Rouge, took up her sport when her doctor told her to give up running following multiple knee replacement surgeries. However, that diagnosis didn’t stop Kathy, who earned gold and silver 5K and half marathon race walk medals at previous National Senior Games.
Another inspiring athlete is Kamal Chaudhari, an 84-year-old competitor from Tampa, Fla. He’s competing in multiple badminton competitions at this year’s National Senior Games, despite struggling with skin and prostate cancers.
The full list of 2019 Humana Game Changers honorees includes:
- Bill Otto, 86, Coral Springs, Fla; Cycling
- Charles Kolitz, 75, Knoxville, Tenn.; Horseshoes and Pickleball
- Kamal Chaudhari, 84, Tampa Bay, Fla.; Badminton
- Mattie Lenhardt, 60, Broward County, Fla.; Basketball
- Ramiro Cavazos, 79, San Antonio, Texas; Cycling
- Dan Cavazos, 52, San Antonio, Texas; Cycling
- Patricia Thieman, 70, Albuquerque, N.M.; Racquetball
- Kathy Meares, 72, Baton Rouge, La.; Powerwalking
- Victor Kerst, 71, New Orleans, La.; Swimming
- Mary Kemp, 97, Fairhope, Ala.; Track and Field
- Glen Kemp, 70, Fairhope, Ala.; Basketball
“We’re so inspired by this year’s Humana Game Changer athletes,” said Humana Chief Consumer Officer Jody Bilney. “Not only are they committed to maintaining their physical health through their training, but they have also benefited from the social interaction and fellowship that comes with athletic competition. We hope their stories will encourage seniors to focus on both their physical and mental well-being, no matter their age or athletic ability.”
The National Senior Games presented by Humana will take place in Albuquerque, N.M., June 14-25, 2019. For additional information, please visit www.nsga.com.
