For a region that frets so much about its graying population, it seems almost counterintuitive to be promoting Pittsburgh as the host of the 2005 Senior Olympics. In fact, the bid makes a lot of sense. Call it playing to the region's strengths.
It's not just that senior athletes would find themselves in a city where many of the spectators are of similar vintage -- 50 and up. It's also important that Pittsburgh is home to some of the best sports medicine practitioners in the nation.
As Dr. Peter Cohen, director of senior sports and fitness for UPMC Health System's sports medicine program, correctly observed: "We have such a fit-fit relationship possible, with our interest in medicine and aging." UPMC staff have led the effort to attract the Senior Games to Pittsburgh.
Over the last few days, officials from UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh, the Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau, the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have been meeting and escorting representatives of the National Senior Games Association, including visits to possible venues around North Park and Oakland.
Pittsburgh seems to have made a good impression, but Louisville, Ky., and Des Moines, Iowa, are also among the finalists. To the disappointment of local humorists, the games feature conventional events such as track and field (for example, there's no competition for kissing grandchildren or racing to an Early Bird Special). These athletes may be old, but they are serious.
Not surprisingly, an event that attracts 12,000 athletes and 20,000 visitors would have a big economic impact -- by one estimate, a $36 million boost to the local economy. It also might convey a larger message: Pittsburgh may be gray, but it is a place where the seniors are vital. We hope the bid succeeds.
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