Vet Olympics a good time for all

Pins fall Friday at the Veterans' Olympics in Lewiston.

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Story Published: Sep 27, 2008 at 12:39 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 1:56 AM PST

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - The Olympics comes to the Valley.

No, Michael Phelps was not here searching for gold, but some golden citizens were the stars Friday, at the 21st Annual Veterans Olympics at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston.

Phil Hawkins is retired from the Army. He says he came up with the idea for these Olympics while he was working at veterans facilities in San Francisco.

"We started out with about 150 participants, and maybe about 200 volunteers," said Hawkins. "That was our first year and the second year we have 700 volunteers and 300 participants. We've been running it ever since."

84-year-old Eldon Cernik was the guest of honor Friday, lighting the Olympic torch, and trying his hand at a number of games.

"I always have a good time," said Cernik. "Darts, softballs, and loops."

Seniors rotated through the events after opening ceremonies, and the March of the Armed Forces performed by the Lewiston High School Marching Band.

Hawkins said over the years the event, which is also done in Boise and Pocatello, has always been influential on students and the community as a whole.

"The thing that's important about it is that it lets the public see that these folks can still do things," said Hawkins. "Do them with the limitations and abilities that they have, and for us, in that area, it's been extremely important."

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