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Seniors Win at Harry Sneider Memorial Meet in Arcadia
Arcadia Weekly Jun 27, 2016
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Strong Senior Games Medalists enjoy their achievements in Arcadia. – Photo by Yolanda Cabada
Sneiders Family Fitness in Arcadia hosted its 24th annual California Senior Games Powerlifting Championships for men and women over 50 years old. The very first Harry Sneider Powerlifting Trophy was awarded to the men’s best lifter, Curtis Uyeda from Torrance, who at age 65, with a bodyweight of 178 pounds, lifted 320 pounds!
The trophy, remembering Harry Sneider who won numerous world championships and at age 61 bench pressed 451 pounds for a world record, will be awarded each year to the men’s and women’s best lifter.
In the women’s division, Lee Brandon, women’s two-time Long Drive Champion, received gold for bench pressing 135 pounds at age 54.
Arline Connelly from Pasadena, who has competed for 18 years, put up an impressive 95 pounds at age 70 to win gold. Winning another gold medal at age 78 was Bingo Roncelli from Arcadia! Sarah Sneider was this year’s best women’s lifter which is determined by weight lifted, age, and bodyweight.
There was an outstanding group of lifters in the men’s division with nine men bench pressing more than their bodyweight! Daniel Blas from Whittier pressed 340 pounds at age 53 with a bodyweight of 190 pounds. Russell Reininger from La Crescenta lifted 365 pounds, weighing 216 pounds at age 56. Loren McClurg, age 61, lifted 300 pounds. Robin Connelly from Pasadena won his 19th gold medal at age 69. Alan Haskvitz, 74, won gold. And, ever-youthful Gino Roncelli from Arcadia won another gold medal at age 81!
It was an enthusiastic group of strong lifters with newcomers who were excited about the event, as well as the dedicated lifters that are trying to better their personal records every year.
Official USPA referee Kevin Meskew, spotter Carolyn Zorn, Rob Sneider, and others provided great support.
A portion of last year’s Powerlifting Competition was captured on film and is included in the wonderful documentary “Impossible Dreamers” by three-time Emmy winner Eric Goldfarb. This inspiring film about athletes competing in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s will show that it is never too late to be a champion.
The Senior Games are all about staying healthy, staying strong, having fun, making friendships, and training to be back for next year’s competitions. Some of the powerlifters go on to compete in AAU, USPA, and other powerlifting organizations across the US and around the world. There are 28 different sports including basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, tennis, cycling, track and field, bowling, table tennis, and more.
For information, go to www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org. The Senior Games are almost like a family reunion each year. New people are always encouraged to join the family of over 1,500 that currently compete in the different sports here in the San Gabriel Valley.
Sarah and Rob Sneider train athletes for these competitions throughout the year. Give them a call at (626) 355-8964 or email harrysneider@earthlink.net. You will be glad you did!
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