By George Kanesta, Sun Correspondent
While the Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina were extinguished, senior athletes continued the Olympic spirit by participating in the New Mexico Senior Olympics Winter Games, including several Zuni athletes proudly representing the Zuni Senior Center.
A significant turnout marked the games, with 13 Zuni athletes competing alongside more than 500 New Mexican athletes. The athletes participated in 15 sports and activities across various locations in Santa Fe from Feb. 23 to 26.
Zuni athletes, beginning from ages over 50 years old, competed in diverse sports including badminton, basketball skills, cornhole, frisbee accuracy, shuffleboard, and swimming. In a notable moment, Philbert Peynetsa, selected as a torch bearer representing the 70-74 age bracket, ran the first lap during the opening ceremonies as the torch made its way to the platform, jogging between three other athletes.
New for 2026, the New Mexico Unique Qualification System allows athletes to qualify for the 2027 National Senior Games to be hosted in Tulsa, Okla., by placing in the top four of their age group. This system incorporates both the state winter and summer games as qualifying opportunities.
After four days of fierce competition, Zuni athletes returned with excitement, boasting an impressive total of 18 medals– nine gold, seven silver and two bronze – with several athletes claiming multiple victories across various events. The excitement continues as 10 athletes have qualified to compete in the national games.
This impressive comeback is even more inspiring considering the seven year absence from competition. Senior Zuni athletes and supporters orchestrated a triumphant return through dedicated fundraisers efforts prior to the games. These efforts covered registration fees, meals, lodging, and other travel expenses.
The competition’s hiatus was directly related to the profound impact of Covid on the elderly, a vulnerable demographic. The long awaited comeback was met with caution from concerned family members who were unwilling to expose their family to larger crowds, particularly as the pandemic had an impactful toll on the Zuni community.
Despite the fears, Zuni Senior Center Program Manager Audrey Hattie recognized the importance and impact of socializing for seniors’ physical and mental health, a sentiment echoed by the New Mexico Senior Olympics committee. By participating in the games and other activities at the center, seniors are able to stay active and independent in a safe and supportive environment.
“It builds them,” Hattie said. “It’s motivation for them to know that they can still keep moving. We also encourage the elders to start advocating for themselves. To talk to their peers and say, ‘Hey, this is what we can do.’”
While Hattie’s first time as ZSC staff was special, she remembers previous events attended with her grandmother. Witnessing her grandmother’s competitive spirit and activity throughout the years instilled in Hattie a deep motivation to embrace life and recognize the importance of continued participation.
Though her grandparents have passed, Hattie now views her clients as her own, recognizing the immense value and treasures they impart to the Zuni community.
Zuni Senior Center provides a daily congregate setting for 40 to 60 individuals 55 and older, offering a vital space for socialization. The center’s contribution to long and engaged lives is further highlighted by the significant milestone of the late eldest person passing at the age of 100.
In addition to directly serving the elders, ZSC proudly supports their caregivers. They provide programs that address mental health and well-being for both elders and caregivers, including their loved ones. This commitment is driven by a core belief that true support involves caring for both elders and caregivers, embodying the principle that you can’t help others without first helping yourself.
Despite the extensive services and care provided, Hattie recognizes the persistent stigma surrounding age and the term “elderly.” She explained the difference, promoting “older adults” as distinct from the traditional view of the “elderly,” a perception many feel doesn’t fit their current stage.
Hattie hopes that with increased attendance more adults will embrace the center.
“It helps us to look forward to what our future holds and what we could be as role models to the younger generation,” she said.
