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 Dona
Ana County’s annual Heritage banquet honored the service of many Athletes,
Volunteers, and Board Members at its annual banquet in March of this year.
Among those honored was NMSO Board of Directors member Dee Harris. She was
honored for her years of service to Dona Ana Co. Senior Olympics (DACSO)
with the first “Dee Harris Award” to be given to a male and female
outstanding DACSO athlete each year as a new tradition. Winners of the award
will then be nominated for the Golden Athlete of the Year Award.
Dee has been bugging her pastor, Dr. Qualls of First Baptist
Church of Las Cruces, to start a fitness group among seniors at her church.
But it was not until he attended the banquet and heard the Guest of Honor,
Ernesto Ramos, share his enthusiasm for Senior Sports that he finally
“caught the vision.” Ernesto is the Director of New Mexico’s Corporation for
National Service and the founder of New Mexico Senior Olympics. Dee says he
called the very next day to ask if she would lead a program to organize
seniors in their church. She is bubbling over with excitement. She says she
can’t wait till next spring when her group of new recruits can enter local
Dona Ana competitions. |
DEE’S MEMORIES
(Dee’s memories as she has changed sports with age and
new body parts.)
At one time I could really ride my bike.
Now my hand shakes just holding a mike.
I could also move fast and play singles in Badminton.
Now I do better curled up like a kitten.
When we started shuffleboard, 10 games were a breeze.
Now, after five games, I start to wheeze.
I could play and loved volleyball.
Now I must watch my step, so I don’t take a fall.
Don’t give up as you grow old,
You can still go for the Gold.
Now I shoot Air Gun and play Pool too.
If I can do it, so can you.
Now I sing with the Senior Church Choir,
and also strum a tune.
Next I may learn to play the bassoon.
I play Horseshoes and Wa-Cha too.
If I can do it, so can you.
As you grow older and things go wrong,
Just turn to the right and keep on keeping on.
When you reach the age of desperation,
At least try to be an inspiration.
“I started sports at age 12 in Junior High. My three
brothers say they taught me when I was younger than that.
I still love sports at 80.”
— Dee Harris 2003 |
