Senior Olympian makes bowling a lifetime sport

Montana Senior Olympic bowling participant Dick Moore has experienced a lot in his 94 years of life.

Moore, who began the sport of bowling in his mid-70s, formally used to run track, golf, and bowl until he had to give up running and the high jump. When he began to slow down, he needed to find a sport to fuel his competitive edge.

“I went to the Nationals at the Senior Olympics in the high jump about 15 years ago,” Moore said. “Someone asked me ‘how high did you jump?’ and I said ‘I am not worried about how high I jump at my age. I was just happy to get over the bar.’”

Moore, who is also a veteran smokejumper that participated in the Korean War, Vietnam and World War II in his 27 years of service, is now strictly reduced to bowling and golf.

“I’ve enjoyed every sport I’ve ever been involved in,” Moore said. “The one thing that impressed me in Tuscon is that there was a national golfer who is 105-years-old and he entered the football stadium with two ladies walking beside him. When he spoke (at the opening Senior Olympic ceremonies), his voice boomed across the football stadium. I feel at 94 years old, I am just a kid compared to him.”

Moore still tries to stay active in his later years and is currently planning a whitewater river trip in Oregon at the end of July.

Moore said the key to his success in athletics and his longevity is staying active.

“All I could say is, stay active regardless,” Moore said.

Moore said he would like to qualify for the 2019 National Senior Olympics in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“I encourage everyone to continue on regardless,” Moore said. “You get to meet a lot of fine people. I would like to go back to Albuquerque. I haven’t been there since my B-24 training in 1945 and I would like to go back.”