Hello and welcome! This is the first blog from the City of Albuquerque, Department of Senior Affairs, 50+ Sports and Fitness Program! We will post a new blog each month to let you know what is happening, what you missed the previous month, and what’s coming next month.
What you missed…
Winter Warm-Up Celebration (December 10th & 11th)
We kicked off the 2011 winter season at Sports Systems. The event was opened by Mayor Richard J. Berry with Don Harris (Albuquerque City Council President), Jorja Armijo-Brasher (Director, Department of Senior Affairs), Doug Fernandez, anchor from KOAT and Van Tate, sportscaster from KRQE in attendance.
The Winter Warm-Up Celebration included Turkey Bowling and winter sports demonstrations. Turkeys were donated by Sunflower Farmers Market. The Traveling Turkey Trophy was awarded Friday to Doug Fernandez. Over the two-day event, other Turkey Bowl winners were awarded prizes based on age groups.
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| From fitoveFiftyAlbq |
Winners included:
Boys under 12 years Evan Ausman
Girls under 12 years Scout Guntor
Boys 13 to 29 Chris Pacheco
Girls 13 to 29 Katis Merson
Boys 30 to 49 Kendall Billau
Girls 30 to 49 Adrea Schoellkopf
Boys 50 to 65 Gene Perrucci
Girls 50 to 65 Wendy Perkins
Boys 66+ Richard Martens
Girls 66+ Sara Pyeatt
The following photos show Mayor Richard J. Berry, Don Harris, Jorja Armijo-Brasher, Doug Fernandez, and Van Tate Turkey Bowling, as well as some of our staff and volunteers.
Please note that Sports Systems is also generously granting a 10% discount throughout the coming year to our members when they present their current City of Albuquerque, Department of Senior Affairs membership card.
We began the new year with a week of lessons to get everyone ready for a great season. January 3rd was the Intermediate Cross-Country Ski Review. Cindy McConnell, our hiking, cross-country ski, and snowshoe leader, and her helpers took intermediate students to the Jemez Mountains for a cross‑country skills “brush-up” session. Then on January 7th, Cindy taught a beginning class how to snowplow and other basic cross–country ski techniques, including how to get up from a fall. Also on January 3rd, Hubert Seigmann, the Santa Fe Ski Team coach, conducted a two-day slalom clinic. The first day was at the Palo Duro Sports and Fitness Center and the second day was at the Santa Fe Ski Area where skiers could practice what they learned on the slopes.
What’s happening now… | ||
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The Winter Warm-Up Celebration also included snowboarding demonstrations by the Sports Systems Snowboarding team and snowshoe and cross-country ski demonstrations by our own Cindy McConnell.
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| From fitoveFiftyAlbq |
Please note that Sports Systems is also generously granting a 10% discount throughout the coming year to our members when they present their current City of Albuquerque, Department of Senior Affairs membership card.
Please support our sponsors.
Getting ready for snow (January 3rd through 7th)
We began the new year with a week of lessons to get everyone ready for a great season. January 3rd was the Intermediate Cross-Country Ski Review. Cindy McConnell, our hiking, cross-country ski, and snowshoe leader, and her helpers took intermediate students to the Jemez Mountains for a cross‑country skills “brush-up” session. Then on January 7th, Cindy taught a beginning class how to snowplow and other basic cross–country ski techniques, including how to get up from a fall. Also on January 3rd, Hubert Seigmann, the Santa Fe Ski Team coach, conducted a two-day slalom clinic. The first day was at the Palo Duro Sports and Fitness Center and the second day was at the Santa Fe Ski Area where skiers could practice what they learned on the slopes.
It’s January and it’s definitely cold outside, and our winter sports program is in full swing! We offer snowshoe, downhill and cross-country skiing trips. All trips are open to our 50+ members! If you are new to the snow or are just looking for something different to do, we encourage you to try some of these trips.
Here’s some information on what we offer.
- Snowshoeing is basically hiking through the snow. A snowshoe looks a little like a racquet you attach to your hiking boots. You trek across the snow in a group, enjoying the beautiful scenery New Mexico has to offer. We offer snowshoe trips that are day long and go out every Wednesday. However, if you think a whole day is too long or you don’t feel ready to take on a long trek, check out our Friday Snowshoe 101 trips. These are half-day trips and our instructors teach you proper snowshoe technique.
- Downhill skiing trips are offered every Thursday. Don’t have skis—no problem. You can rent skis and equipment at local Albuquerque ski shops or at the Santa Fe ski area. These are day-long trips, so come prepared to spend the day with us!
- Cross-country skiing trips are offered every Tuesday. If you don’t have skis, you can rent cross‑country equipment at local Albuquerque ski shops. Come ski with us and enjoy the beautiful backcountry scenery.
All trips are open to beginners, as well as experts. These trips are fun and a great way to get out in the mountains with a group of fun people. We invite you to come and enjoy the snow with us!!
What’s coming…
Mark your calendars and be sure to reserve your spot for the following events.
- Fantastic Freeze Fest January 29th. This event includes cross–country ski and snowshoe races.
- Hockey Tournament February 2nd. See our catalog or call the office for more information.
- Downhill Slalom Race and Poker Run February 5th. See our catalog or call the office for more information.
Our winter sports season runs from January 11th to March 30th this year. There are even some overnight trips. Please reserve your spot early because events fill up quickly. To reserve your spot, bring a check or cash to Palo Duro Sports and Fitness Center at 3351 Monroe NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 (map).
Visit us on YouTube and Facebook…
YouTube at: http://www.Youtube.com/FitOverFiftyABQ
Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/FitoverFiftyAlbq
Until next month…
I leave you with this: “Age is of no importance…unless you are a cheese” Anonymous.
Join us and stay active!!!!
Contact us…
For more information, see our catalog http://www.cabq.gov/seniors/50-sports-and-fitness-catalog or call us at (505) 880-2800.
