Rhondalon Crawford and Ralph Wilkins, residents of Ovation Sienna Hills senior living in St. George, Utah, are gearing up to participate in the 2024 Huntsman World Senior Games.
This is the largest annual multi-sport event in the world for athletes 50 and older. This global event attracts senior athletes from across the world to St. George for over 30 years.
Rhondalon and Ralph will compete in the power walking event on October 10 and 11, 2024, with the races beginning at 9 a.m. For these two friends, it’s an exciting opportunity to stay active, have fun, and represent their senior living community.
Their history with the Huntsman World Senior Games
The Huntsman World Senior Games is familiar territory for Rhondalon. After moving to St. George in 2015, she signed up for the games in 2016 with a friend. She has participated in the games nearly every year since.
She’s earned a few medals along the way, but she cherishes the experience and memories the most. Her only goal is to not finish last – and so far, she’s succeeded.
Ralph is a first-time athlete in the Huntsman World Senior Games. The idea sparked during a conversation with Rhondalon on July 4th, when she mentioned the games.
“I’ve never done a power walk before,” Ralph shared. “I’ve never been in the Huntsman World Senior Games before, but I’m excited about being able to participate.”
Staying active through life
Rhondalon and Ralph share a commitment to staying physically active. They are both eager to complete the Huntsman World Senior Games this year and hope to participate in future games as long as they can.
While power walking is their focus this October, their athletic interests span beyond the event.
“Athletics weren’t really available for girls when I was in school,” Rhondalon shared. She enjoyed biking throughout her life and now today is a competitive power walker. Ralph also enjoyed biking, as well as tennis. Today he enjoys golfing as he gets ready to enter the world of power walking.
As a senior athlete, Rhondalon has these words for fellow seniors: “Do it! Maybe you can only make it half a block the first time or can only pedal for five minutes on a bike. Just keep trying. As long as you can stay up, it’s better for you.”
Ralph agreed, adding, “It can also be a lot of fun – being able to join in some of these sports, especially a walk.”
Rhondalon laughed and responded, “Remember that if it’s only 60 degrees that day!”
At Ovation Sienna Hills, they’ve embraced the active lifestyle this vibrant campus offers.
“Ovation has a lot of programs to keep you happy,” shared Ralph. He noted a few favorites, including swimming and exercise classes. “Take advantage as much as you can and have fun!”
“Like cardio drumming,” Rhondalon added. “You can’t help but leave with a smile on your face!”
In addition to cardio drumming, Rhondalon enjoys the strength and balance classes and HIT classes.
Finding home in St. George
Having moved into Ovation Sienna Hills on the same day in October 2023, just one apartment apart, the two quickly became friends.
When asked what they enjoy about Ovation Sienna Hills, Ralph promptly responded: “What’s not to like? This is like living in a 5-star hotel!”
He noted how well the employees take care of them and the wealth of opportunities available to enjoy retirement.
For Rhondalon, Ovation was also a way to find more socialization opportunities. She lived in a big house before and chose Ovation Sienna Hills for the activities, classes, meals, and many friends to connect with.
“It’s worked out really well,” she shared.
Ralph moved from Southern California to Utah after his son discovered Ovation Sienna Hills.
“I fell in love with the place,” Ralph shared. “I’m enjoying my retirement.”
Rhondalon was raised in the northern part of Utah in Logan and Salt Lake City. After living in Illinois for 17 years, she longed to return to Utah to escape the snow. She’s been happy in St. George, Utah since then!
Power walking at the Huntsman World Senior Games
Now with their eyes on the power walking event, both Rhondalon and Ralph are ready to make memories, stay active, and have fun. Rhondalon is gearing up for her return to the games by walking the hallways of her beautiful senior living community in St. George. Ralph also practices with daily walks in and around the community.
With all the ways they’re staying active and having fun, Rhondalon and Ralph are proving life doesn’t slow down in retirement! They’re truly living the “standing ovation” the employees strive to provide all residents at Ovation Sienna Hills.
