Twelve members of the Elmwood Senior Center’s table tennis team won a total of 28 medals at the Connecticut Masters’ Games at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Club in East Hartford.

From left: Table Tennis Team members Leland Tolo, James Lee, Michael Chang, Armand Barneschi, Gregory Spyrzynski, Don Feiner, and Julia Dong. Missing from photo are: Henry King, Eleanor Cianciola, Linda Zhang, Yan Hua Wang, and Fung Lee. Submitted photo

Submitted

The Elmwood Senior Center, a division of the West Hartford Department of Human and Leisure Services, sponsored 12 member-athletes in the April 9, 2016, Connecticut Masters’ Games table tennis competition held at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Club in East Hartford.

Player Fung Lee hits the ball back to the competition while husband and partner James Lee looks on during a mixed doubles competition. Submitted photo

This is the third year that Elmwood Senior Center has sponsored its athletes for the Masters Games competition, which draws individuals from throughout the State of Connecticut, ages 50 to over 90. The athletes won a total of 28 gold, silver and bronze medals!

The Connecticut Masters’ Games is a multi-sport festival of Olympic-style competition for Connecticut’s master amateur athletes. The Connecticut Masters’ Games are an open state-wide event and welcome all resident aged 50 and older to compete. The “Games” are recognized by the National Senior Games Association and the United States Olympic Committee as the official Senior Games of Connecticut.

The goals of this senior competition are:

• To promote better overall health and fitness among citizens.
• To recognize & reward Connecticut Senior residents / athletes who have chosen to participate in the Masters’ Games, that reflect positively on them, their families and respective communities.
• To provide a unique forum which embodies the Olympic spirit of competition.
• To inspire the development of physical and competitive abilities by Connecticut athletes.

The ESC ladies contingent was especially strong with Julia Dong, Linda Zhang and Yanhua Wang, who each won three medals.

Elmwood Senior Center’s Table Tennis players continue to hone their skills at the Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during scheduled times of play. Newcomers are always welcome and a nominal participation fee applies.

Elmwood Senior Center is one of two Town of West Hartford senior centers and their motto is “Experience the Energy.” Throughout the year, Elmwood Senior Center hosts a variety of trips, classes and special events that are seasonal, entertaining, informative, and always FUN!