(Above from our original brochure)
"First Annual Sri Chinmoy Masters Games, July 27, 1985, Greenwich, CT" (Press Release). Atala Toy. July 27, 1985. Retrieved 2012-05-18. Archive copy at the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team office, Queens, NY.
"Opening remarks by Sri Chinmoy: 'Sri Chinmoy Masters Games is the smile of a oneness-family in a oneness-home. Masters-Games is at once the aspiration and dedication of the body, and the vision and illumination of the soul. Here each participant is competing against his or her own present capacities. The goal of these games is self-transcendence. Humanity's self-transcendence gift is the only perfection-beauty that God the Absolute Athlete Supreme truly and fondly treasures.
And now, for tremendous outer success and momentous inner progress, may each participant receive the highest benediction from Heaven and the strongest aspiration from earth. Sri Chinmoy Masters Games begins to proceed on, forever on!'
And with Sri Chinmoy's inaugural words still ringing in the air, the torch was lit, the band struck up the Games anthem, seven doves were released and the first Annual Sri Chinmoy Masters Games were underway. All participants fell into step behind the Masters Games banner for a turn around the track before an audience of cheering onlookers.
The Sri Chinmoy Masters Games, held July 27th at Greenwich High School in Greenwich, CT, sponsored 11 events in track and field for athletes 50 and over. Competitors received medals presented to them on three-tiered winner podiums, t-shirts, free meals and more enthusiastic support from the host Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and fans that they were prepared for!
Overall champions for the day's events, inclusive of all age categories, were Pay Carstensen, 53, of Babylon, NY and Sulochana, 55 of Jamaica, NY. A three-way tie for second behind Pay included Ralph Becote, Don Brown and Woody Lunsford.
Harry McArdle, the oldest participant at age 79, did himself proud, winning his 200 meter event in 40.72 and placing in the javelin, discus and long jump.
Special guests of honor were former Olympians Joe McCluskie and Bruce MacArdle. Both Olympians received gold engraved plates from 53-year old athlete Sri Chinmoy and a fanfare salute from the brass band. Joe, now 74, competed in the 1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin Games in the steeplechase event. Bruce, 53, racewalker the 20KM event in the 1956 Games and the 50KM event in the 1960 and 1964 Games.
Special honors were also given to guest Haig Bohigian and to William Eipel, who won all four of his field events..."
Additional Photos