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Colorado Peaches

Senior women find a sense of community and competition as members of the Colorado Peaches, a team that is only open to those 70 years of age or older.

Senior women find a sense of community and competition as members of the Colorado Peaches, a team that is only open to those 70 years of age or older.

You cannot join the Colorado Peaches unless you’re a woman at least 70 years old. They are a Denver-based softball team competing in the Huntsman World Senior Games October 9-21 in St. George, Utah.

Elder statesman and second baseman Maggie McCloskey is 86. She says age disappears when you’re belting a pitch into the gap in left-center.

“You’re never too old to play; and that play element is so, so important,” she said. “Being on a team…I could just go on and on…it’s just awesome.”

The team’s purpose is “to inspire those who have the courage and audacity to follow continue to grow and improve with age.” The Peaches spread joy, fun and love through team play, physical exercise, camaraderie and competition.

The team’s motto: Life begins when you get in the game. The Peaches don’t care if you’ve never played ball. They don’t care if you can’t run… you can hit and throw, and someone will run for you.

The team has been together for 25 years, encouraging women to come play. Current members range from 74 to 86 years young. As their Web site says:

“The big thing we have discovered is that we can continue to improve with age. Everybody on our team has really improved. Our whole attitude has been ‘the longer I play, the better I am.’ We don’t just maintain, we really get better.”

Huntsman World Senior Games

You can watch the Peaches compete at the Huntsman World Senior Games, an athletic competition exclusively for those 50 years old and up. Since 1987, the Huntsman games has promoted fitness as a way of life for those nearing or in retirement.

From shuffleboard to shooting, there is a sport for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you make it to the medal podium. The event emphasizes everyone for their achievements, and includes a roster of social events including band concerts and dances to bring athletes together.

The Games also promote health with screenings for breast and prostate cancer, glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and bone density. Sponsors provide diagnostic equipment and services. The medical and nursing students assisting with screenings donate their time.

If you’re intrigued, you can throw in a visit to a nearby national park such as Bryce or Zion. You might even want to participate in the Games as a volunteer. Thousands of them help the Games run smoothly every year. Don’t forget to say hello to the Peaches while you’re there.