Nearly 900 Athletes Compete In Palm Desert's Senior Games

Palm Desert resident Orville R. Bingley III wore his gold medal proudly as he mingled from table to table at the opening ceremonies of the 11th annual Palm Desert International Sports Festival.

The 83 year old won the top prize in his age bracket in the 18-hole golf tournament Thursday.

He was one of nearly 900 athletes that participated in the games, which concluded Sunday night, according to Jeff Ronci of the Desert Recreation District.

Almost 300 of the participants hailed from Canada, Ronci said.

Bingley also competed in the 10k race on Saturday.

“People ask me why I run at my age, and I tell them it is because it keeps me going,” Bingley said.

Following this weekend’s event, he will be participating in the upcoming Yucca Valley Healthy Hearts 5k Run on Feb. 12, and the Palm Springs Half-Marathon the next day.

The event, which was put on by the city of Palm Desert and the California State Senior Games Association and the National Senior Games Association, also included pickleball, table tennis and lawn bowling.

The competition took place at several venues, including , the Palm Desert Community Center and the Desert Falls Country Club.

The games were open to participants 35 and older.