By TOM CHEREDAR, Staff Writer
tched@williamsonherald.com

Participants of the 2007 Senior Olympic Games met fierce athleticism on the ball field, in the water and on the dance floor.

The mid-state’s senior athletes paused from the week of sporting events to enjoy a night of line dancing at the Factory in Franklin Monday.

While the line dancing was not a competition, nearly everyone in attendance took advantage of the festivities by staying active.

“These seniors are all about partying,” said Kathryn Smith, sales director for the county’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Smith said she began setting up the country hoedown-themed party at 8 a.m. in preparation for the over 400 who gathered to eat barbecue and socialize with both old and new acquaintances.

Many visiting athletes devote several days for the games and often traveling in groups.

“ I made a long week out of it,” said Donald D. Williams of Jackson, who has competed since the games kicked off July 20. “

Despite low rankings in track and field, Williams and his team took third in the softball tournament after losing to a tough Memphis district.

Williams is one of many who made the trek to Williamson County while his wife stayed behind to take care of household chores.

“Franklin is nice and Brentwood is nice but I sure do get mixed up,” Williams said. The county had grown since the previous Olympic games, which were also held in the area.

“This area is so accommodating,” Williams said.

It is the third year of the county’s contract to host the senior games, which has attracted more athletes each season, according to Smith who also organized last year’s theme dinner.

“They love dancing,” Smith said, adding that at the end of the night “we usually have to run them out.”

The dinner and dancing finishes at 9 p.m. yet, last year’s function ran almost 45 additional minutes. The CVB organizers turned on the house lights and stop the music before concluding for the evening.

“They were ‘booing’ us for shutting off the music,” Smith jokingly said — adding that she enjoys the entire experience.

“This group is so lively,” Smith said.  “I can’t keep up with them.”

The Senior Olympic games will conclude later this week. 

Posted on: 7/26/2007