By ROBERT L. LEE

LULING – More than 400 senior citizens gathered at the Westbank Bridge Park in Luling eagerly awaiting to compete in a variety of events in the 2002 Bayou-River District Games. Seniors in the district games were not only excited to participate in healthy competition, but attempt to finish with a gold or silver medal and qualify for a position in the state senior olympic games.

“They are passionate about the events and the competition,” said Margaret Powe, executive director of the St. Charles Parish Council on Aging. “The score keepers here have to be on their toes.”

Powe said 2002 marks the first year the games will held in all six of the area parishes included in the district. The games began nine years ago with simply one day packed with events at Nicholls University. Over the years, a committee was organized and the event has continued to grow. The competition moves to St. James Parish and the Paulina Park Monday for the walk, softball accuracy, football accuracy and bean bag toss events, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

“We used to do the bulk of the games here in St. Charles,” continued Powe. “Now each parish’s council on aging is responsible for the games in that parish. It’s just a great joint effort by the parishes and a lot of volunteers.”

“People in all parishes call us and thank us, it’s really a fun thing that all seniors have fun at every year,” said St. Charles Parish President Albert Laque. “Our citizens group is involved every year and I come out every year. When I get old I am going to try some events.”

“This is my first time participating,” said Willie Boudreaux, 59. “I thought you had to be 60 to compete.”

He said he learned about the games from the newspaper and registered at the council on aging. At the park, Boudreaux said he was enjoying himself and ready to begin his three events, javelin, shot put and discus.

“I haven’t thrown the javelin in 40 years since high school and the Army, but it’s like riding a bike, you don’t forget how.”

He said he has always enjoyed competition and now that he is retired, he has more time. To help him work on his technique before for Friday’s events, Boudreaux said he even made a home-made javelin out of electrical conduit.

“This is my second year,” said Terrebonne Parish resident Mary Ann Chatagnier, 69, who registered for six events including softball and javelin.

“My first year I didn’t win, so it was just for fun and if I don’t win again this year, it will be just for fun again. I think everybody is having a good time.”