LEHIGHTON, Pa. — The gym inside the Lehighton Recreation Center is packed for the 35th annual Carbon County Senior Games.
"The different towns, we get along so nice, and you can't wait until next year, you know. And when we don't see each other, we see each other out shopping or something, so you talk, and it's just a lot of fun," said Francis Haas of Lehighton.
For day two of the games, the teams are giving it their best shot in basketball. Organizers say this year, 220 people signed up to participate.
The teams are divided into five school districts in the county. Winners take home medals and bragging rights.
"I won darts this morning, and I won corn hole yesterday," said Reuben Zellner of Lehighton.
For many of the seniors, the games are something they look forward to all year long. The friendly competition brings an extra sense of community.
"It's not about winning. It's participating and being friendly with everyone and meeting people," said Mary Ann Appello of Palmerton.
"I came because I didn't know what to do with myself when my wife passed away. It's good, you have to get out of the apartment. You know you have to get out and socialize," said Zellner.
Throughout the course of the senior games, there are 14 different events, so, of course, everyone has a favorite.
"I'm gonna do the dance, the polka, the rock, and the slow with this lady, Charlotte, who is like 94 years old," said Appello.
The senior games continue through next week. The team with the most points at the end takes home a trophy.