100-year-old leads Senior Olympics in Arlington Heights

On any given day, Dick Breeden can be seen riding his three-wheel bike around the campus of Luther Village in Arlington Heights.

What makes it so remarkable is that he is 100 years old - and, by extension, he inspires everyone he meets to keep moving.

Breeden and his late wife, Marge, once owned the Wauconda Apple Orchard. His love of the outdoors and his active lifestyle were on full display last week during the retirement community's second Senior Olympics.

"I like to get involved as much as possible - to see people," Breeden said. "I live alone and I crave fellowship."

The Senior Olympics offered plenty of fellowship and team building.

Breeden led the parade during opening ceremonies, which included flag bearers representing their individual buildings and a lighting of the torch.

"We did this for the first time four years ago and it was such a success, we decided to do it again," says Activities Assistant Marcia Kurczodyna.

Terry Choquette serves as activities director at Luther Village after coming from the Garlands in Barrington, where they also hosted a Senior Olympics, though on a much smaller scale.

"We're not stressing the competitive aspect of it as much as the benefits of keeping moving and having fun," Choquette says.

The event took place over two days and drew 120 people to compete in its 12 events. They ranged from a walk relay, Wiffle ball game and Baggo tournament to puzzles, billiards and Jeopardy.

Contestants included former Barrington resident Warren Wegener, who won a gold medal in the swim relays. While he admits he was not a swimmer, but a baseball player in high school and intramural basketball player in college, he did enjoy the camaraderie of the games.

"This was just fun," said Wegener, who stays in shape through regular workouts on the treadmill, riding a bicycle, lifting weights and swimming.

In all, five houses that collectively house 750 residents were represented at the games: Arlington, Bradley, Campbell, Dunton and Villa Courtyard.

Some chose to cheer on the Senior Olympians from their houses rather than compete themselves. Each house had its own color and flag, and residents wore matching armbands during the games to reflect their team.

"It's timely," said Angie Cassidy, who took part in the swim relay, "and it's nice to show that seniors can still compete. Plus, I love the esprit de corps."

The Senior Olympics ended with the awarding of gold and silver medals for the various events, a closing ceremony and a celebration with a live band.

There may not have been a world record breaking Michael Phelps or Simone Biles among the group, but no one seemed to notice. The Senior Olympics brought out the best in the competitors and their fans, and over the course of two days brought people together in the spirit of the games.