Press
From the Youngest to the Oldest
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
The Utah Summer Games has always prided itself on being inclusive and open to people of all ages and skill levels. This matter of pride has never been truer than it was in 2004. Proving that the annual event that takes place every June in Cedar City lives up to its billing, the Utah Summer Games athletes separated by over eight decades. This year's youngest competitor, Brek Sanderson of Cedar City played the role of the youngest athlete at just two years old while Roy Cox, also of Cedar City was the other bookend at 85 years young.
“I'm an old bugger,” laughed Roy who competed this year for the first time in the Utah Summer Games in the Trap Shooting event.
Roy, who has been shooting his whole life heard about the event at the Cedar City Trap Shooting club, headed up by the sport's coordinator Jack Matheson.
“I never gave it a second thought until someone brought it up (at the club)” said Roy . He wanted to compete in the 1,000 yard shooting competition, but found the he couldn't get up off the ground when he assumed the prone position to site in his rifle.
While Cox didn't medal, he said he had a good time.
“If I'm still around, you'll see me there,” he said of the 20 th anniversary edition of the Games held in June of 2005.
At the other end of the spectrum you have Brek Sanderson. Young enough to be called a toddler, this juvenile athlete tips the calendar at a whopping 28 months. A Utah Summer Games athlete by choice, and a cowboy by birth, Sanderson brought home two gold and one silver in the equestrian barrels and poles and keyhole events.
“He loves the outdoors and everything associated with it,” said Rick Sanderson, Brek's father who actually led the horse around the courses while his son sat perched atop the animal.
This was Brek's first Utah Summer Games, but at this age, it's his first time for many, many things, like walking, forming complete sentences and sleeping the entire night in his own bed.
“I think that with the example of these two athletes, no one can use the excuse that they are too old or too young to compete in the Utah Summer Games,” Said Kyle Case, Utah Summer Games, Director. “This event really is for everyone.”
The Utah Summer Games, Utah 's oldest Olympic style sports festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary in June, 2005 by offering over 40 different sports including Shooting, Equestrian Events and Soccer.
Labels: History
