Carleton-Willard Village residents win gold in Senior Olympics
July 17, 2009
Bedford Minuteman
By Special to the Minuteman
Three residents from Carleton-Willard Village swam in the Massachusetts Senior Games in Springfield on June 13 and returned to Bedford after winning 10 gold medals. This was the 18th year the Massachusetts games were held, drawing over 500 participants, and the seventh year Carleton-Willard has participated.
Shea Smith once again dominated the 90-and-over age category, with gold medals in the men’s 200, 100 and 50-meter freestyle events, as well as the 50-meter backstroke. Smith has been swimming for Carleton-Willard for five of the past seven years, missing one time because of a trip to Alaska. Morse Payne, competing for the fourth time, came home with gold medals in the 100 and 50-meter freestyle events as well as the 50-meter backstroke in the 85-and-over category. Holly Webster, competing in the games for the second time, won gold medals for the 200, 100 and 50 meter freestyle in the 70-74 age category.
All of the competitors train regularly in the Aquatic and Fitness Center at Carleton-Willard Village with active support from the staff. In 2006, Carleton-Willard received MassAging’s Program Innovation of the Year Award in recognition of a unique and expanded fitness program designed for residents throughout the full continuum of care.