Ohio Department of Aging

• Older Ohioans & Families
• Providers & Professionals
• Advocacy & Legislation

• Home
• Info Center
• About Us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2006

Athens Resident Takes Gold Medal at Ohio Senior Olympics
Alexander Topping Discusses Achievements on Statewide TV Show

COLUMBUS - Alexander Topping of Athens won gold medals in singles and doubles tennis for the 80-84 year-old division at the Ohio Senior Games, held July 21 through August 26 in Youngstown, Ohio. Topping discusses his involvement in Senior Olympics on the latest episode of "Finer With Age," a talk show from the Ohio Department of Aging.

"Part of our mission is to promote the benefits of Ohioans staying healthy and active throughout their lives," said Merle Grace Kearns, Director of the Department and host of the show. "It was inspiring to meet Mr. Topping and learn about his love for competition." Topping won the Gold Medal in singles tennis, age 80-84 and, along with his partner for the past three years, Walter Beckdahl of Springfield, took top honors in doubles tennis as well. Both men qualified to compete in the National Senior Games next June in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Ohio Senior Games, held each year, gather athletes from around the state and nation to compete in events including archery, basketball, cycling, softball, swimming, track and field, triathlon and volleyball. Annual regional games are also held in eight major Ohio cities.

"You get a group [of people] that you see each year," Topping said of competing. "It forms a kind of camaraderie. It's a lot of fun."

To learn more about the Ohio Senior Games, visit www.OhioSeniorOlympics.org. For more on the 2007 National Senior Games, visit www.2007seniorgames.com.

"Finer With Age" is produced monthly by the Ohio Department of Aging and taped at Ohio Government Television in Columbus. The latest episode also includes a discussion with Dr. Nick Baird, Director of the Ohio Department of Health, about the possibility of a flu pandemic and how the state can prepare for it. It begins airing in September on participating cable access and public broadcasting stations throughout the state. Check your local listings for station and times. If it is not broadcast in your area, call your cable provider and request they feature Finer With Age on their network. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com/finerwithage for more on the program.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.