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NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES AWARD
78-Year-Old Idaho Senior Athlete Receives National Award National Senior Games Personal Best Award Recognizes Healthy Aging & Overcoming Challenges
As the 2018 Idaho Senior Games ( ISG ) kicked off with athletes vying for qualifying slots in the 2019 National Senior Games , the CEO of the national governing body appeared at the Opening Celebration at Julia Davis Park to present a Personal Best Award to 78-year-old Boise athlete Dick Johnson , who inspires others to pursue active lifestyles with his “ never
Dick Johnson of Boise is presented a Personal Best Award from National Senior Games Association CEO Marc T . Riker , left , and Mike Thornton , Idaho Senior Games Coordinator . say quit ” outlook on life .
National Senior Games Association ( NSGA ) CEO Marc T . Riker recognized the Idaho native for his perseverance and love of sport . Riker explained Johnson was a champion tennis player for three decades until back fusion surgery made it difficult for him to cover a tennis court . “ When he got out of shape and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes , Dick found a treatment program that helped him manage diet , lose weight and avoid insulin shots . But he needed a way to stay motivated to exercise ,” said Riker . “ The sport of pickleball suited him with its smaller court size , and it provided the same level of workout as tennis had been . He was back on track .”
Johnson has excelled since taking up pickleball , which is one of the fastest growing sports in America . In only five short years , Johnson twice medaled in all seven recognized national and world pickleball championships in the same year , including the National Senior Games . He ’ s racked up close to 200 medals — mostly gold — in major events and more than 90 tournaments across the country , including the Idaho Senior Games .
“ I am most honored by this because it ’ s about something more than just the medals ,” an emotional Johnson said after receiving the award . “ The philosophy of the Senior Games is all about good health , win or lose . I was on a downturn when I found Senior Games and pickleball . That ’ s what has kept me healthy .”
Beyond his many accomplishments in academics , business , sports , government , and civic life , Dick Johnson affirmed that his greatest successes and blessings have been his Mormon service work and his
The USAPA Congratulates
Recently Certified Referees
Larry Allgaier James Hackenberg Courtney Johnson Cynthia Tietze
Brian Firebaugh Trevor Burndred Jim Cooke Timothy Roach
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