But at 91 years old, Van Farowe’s days of “pass, punt and kick” football, playing basketball, water and snow skiing and long jumps are over. But that hasn’t stopped the Lakeland resident from continuing to take part in the annual Polk Senior Games.
The Senior Games, which this year were held from Feb. 29 to March 12, have been held in the county since 1992. Open to anyone 50 and older, the games are designed to promote friendly competition, fellowship, health, wellness and volunteerism and are qualifiers for the state and national Senior Games. They provide challenges for serious competitors, recreational participants and the physically challenged.
Most of the events are grouped by gender in five-year age increments. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in each event and age division and Polk County residency isn’t required.
During the bowling competition in Lakeland’s Orange Bowl Lanes bowling alley March 11, Van Farowe, who retired as a registered nurse in 1994, bowls her second frame.
With a score of 113, Van Farowe, a seasonal Lakeland resident, says she’s having a bit of an “off-day” but is still having fun. She says the Polk Senior Games amount to more than just ribbons or trophies.
“The main thing is I’m happy to get up and do this; I’m very blessed. It’s just a fun thing and a fun way to meet people. The sports are fun, but I like to win, though,” she adds with a smirk, waiting for her next turn at the lane.
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TEAMING WITH TECHNOLOGY
BayCare to Implement Virtual Health Care Assistant in Hospital Rooms
Pulling at Your Heartstrings: Empathy vs. Sympathy
Mary Joye, LMHC, PA, is a licensed mental health counselor with offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit winterhavencounseling.com.
Minimize Your Risk for Heart Disease
February is American Heart Month, and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County is bringing awareness to the reality of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year — that’s one in every four deaths.
MEDICAL ADVANCES
Watson Clinic Launches Clinical Trial of Drug Treatment for Heart Failure
KEEPING HER HEART IN THE GAME
Lake Wales Woman Works to Overcome Heart Disease With Positive Outlook, Strong Medical Team
Screening, Vaccinations Help Fight Cervical Cancer
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and an important time of year to raise awareness about the importance of cervical health screenings for women.
TRANSFORMATION
Winter Haven Operating Room Technician Opens Up About Her Weight Loss Surgery and Journey
Resolutions for Resilience
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WHERE SOUL MEETS BODY
Yoga Can Increase Well-Being Through Meditation, Exercise, Spirituality
A NOSE FOR COVID-19
Central Florida Company Trains Canines to Detect Virus
THE COMPETITION CONTINUES
Every spring, Frank Tiano’s Top Gun Scale Invitational has heralded the beginning of the flying season, offering builders an opportunity to show off their projects in Lakeland, Florida after a winter spent finishing them in their workshops.
ON THE PULSE
Healthcare professionals across the area finish 2020 on a strong note with accomplishments and awards
If you're in, you win:Rules of the roundabout
Western Avenue was the freeway of my youth — a straight, uninterrupted stretch of road one mile west of my hometown’s main drag.
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Our Healthcare Specialists Are Working Harder Than Ever! Don’t Miss Out on All the Exciting Awards and Recognition
PRO TOURING TRUCK SHOOTOUT
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Keeping an Eye on Future Returns
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Master of Efficiency
A skilled operations analyst fine tunes processes to help organizations flourish
UN REPORT: INCREASED WARMING CLOSING IN ON AGREED UPON LIMIT
The world is getting closer to passing a temperature limit set by global leaders five years ago and may exceed it in the next decade or so, according to a new United Nations report.
UN REPORT: INCREASED WARMING CLOSING IN ON AGREED UPON LIMIT
The world is getting closer to passing a temperature limit set by global leaders five years ago and may exceed it in the next decade or so, according to a new United Nations report.
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