Mott, Theriot named ‘Senior Olympians’
At the McNeese Rec Complex in Lake Charles, La., Friday, April 13, 2018. (Rick Hickman/Lake Charles American Press)
The Southwest Louisiana Senior Games opened with cheers and excitement Friday at the McNeese State University Recreational Complex.
During the opening ceremony, Mayor Nic Hunter officially declared the day “City of Lake Charles Senior Olympics Day.” Daryl Burckel, president of McNeese, and Adrian Mitchell, vice president of McNeese, wished the competitors “good luck” and thanked them for their continued support by sending their children and grandchildren to the university.
The Senior Games presented the university with a $5,000 check to be used for health and human performance student scholarships.
Allie Mae Theriot was named female “Senior Olympian of the Year.” Friends and family gathered about Theriot as she was presented the award.
Ryan Bourriaque, Theriot’s great-nephew, said it was an honor and privilege to share the special moment with his aunt.
With her “competitive and fiery nature,” he said it was no surprise that she won the award.
A retired Cameron Parish cafeteria manager, Theriot is known for her great cooking and generous spirit.
Bourriaque said though she has no children of her own, she raised many children along the ridge of Grand Chenier.
Angela Jouett, Senior Games director, said Theriot competes in nearly every event and “everywhere you go people ask about her because of her great personality.” Bourriaque commended Jouett and all who work to put together events like the Senior Games.
“If they weren’t doing this, I really believe the quality of life for these seniors would be significantly affected,” she said. “I really don’t know where they would be without it.”
Buddy Mott was named male “Senior Olympian of the Year.” Mott has been participating in the Senior Games for more than 15 years. He began competing in archery and over time has recruited many others to join the games. He has been married for more than 50 years and retired from PPG Industries after many years of service.
Jouett credited Mott’s faithfulness and committed attitude as one of many reasons why he was awarded. She said when she began working with the senior games, his help and insight was a tremendous aid to her.
Mott said he was truly honored to be recognized and agreed with Bourriaque saying, the Senior Games are important because it “gives people something to do and a way to meet a lot of truly good people.”
Friday’s competition began with bean bag baseball. A full schedule of the 10-day event can be found at www.cppj.net/medicalreservecorps.
‘If they weren’t doing this, I really believe the quality of life for these seniors would be significantly affected. I really don’t know where they would be without it.’
Angela Jouett
Senior Games director
Retired American Press editor Jim Beam participates in Friday’s Senior Games at the McNeese Rec Complex in Lake Charles, La., Friday, April 13, 2018. (Rick Hickman/Lake Charles American Press)
A competitor tosses a bean bag during one of several games Friday during the Southwest Louisiana Senior Games at the McNeese Rec Complex in Lake Charles, La., Friday, April 13, 2018. (Rick Hickman/Lake Charles American Press)