Mario Quintana coordinates the newly-formed Senior Olympics of Grant County.

Mr. Quintana's passion for Senior Olympics is infectious. While he is focused on those who are 50 or older, he has also managed to get several younger adults involved as honorary members. The honorary members support local athletes as they compete, and volunteer in various capacities to help make events successful. Mr. Quintana is well aware that we all age, and he is working quite diligently to make sure that everyone lives a healthy lifestyle.

Mr. Quintana convinced almost 150 older adults that they are athletes and should compete in Senior Olympic local games. At the end of the season, almost 30 of those athletes qualified to participate in state games. Mr. Quintana was able to reach diverse populations; the local Hispanic community chose to participate in record numbers, and many residents with lower incomes also participated. Now the organization has begun to promote year-round healthy lifestyles for all older adults in Silver City.

For Mr. Quintana, every day is an opportunity to advance the cause of healthy living. The more people he gets involved in Senior Olympics, the healthier they become, both physically and mentally. The effects of his hard work are far reaching, and will continue to be felt for many, many years to come.