93-Year-Old on Target at Virginia Senior Games

In his first-ever archery competition, 93-year-old resident Charlie Edwards won gold at the Virginia Senior Games in Richmond.

Edwards picked up a bow and arrow for the first time just six months ago, when fellow resident, 79-year-old Jack Cason, encouraged him to join the Archery Club at the retirement community.

Cason himself received a gold medal in his own age group at this year's Virginia Senior Games, and was a gold medalist at the National Senior Games last year in Houston.  “Charlie listens to instructions and he doesn’t question it; he takes my advice and tries to improve himself,” said Cason, who has been working with Edwards in improving his technical form and choosing the right equipment.

While Edwards had never tried his hand at archery before moving to Greenspring, he was on the wrestling team at Lehigh University and in his later years grew fond of golfing and fishing.  He served as a Navy fighter pilot during World War II, but left the Navy to work for the Atomic Energy Commission until retirement. 

Edwards finds similarities in his military service and his newfound interest in archery.  “Instead of pointing my airplane at a target, now I’m pointing my bow and arrow.”  Edwards also appreciates the independent nature of archery.  “Much like golf, you are completely responsible for how well you do,” said Edwards.  “You can compete against yourself.”

Edward's gold medal came in his age group for the 600 Round, which is comprised of shooting 20 arrows at 60 yards, 50 yards, and 40 yards.  “I told him if he could hit a 60-yard target, he had a good chance at qualifying for the National games,” said Carson.

That he did; now Edwards is focused on improving his technique for the National Senior Games in Cleveland, Ohio, next summer. 

About Greenspring:  Greenspring, one of 16 Erickson Living full-service retirement communities, is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia.  The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of which reside in the 1405 independent living units.  At Greenspring, a robust complement of resident programs and facilities promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.