FARMINGTON – The New Mexico Senior Olympics announced it will not hold the 2021 State Games because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

A news release sent by Cecilia Acosta, executive director of the Senior Olympics, said the board reviewed the results and responses from more than 500 surveys completed by Senior Olympics participants. The board also took health risk factors into consideration.

“Major concerns of the board included the event being a super spreader, lack of training opportunities for senior athletes, lack of senior vaccinations statewide and the safety of our most vulnerable senior participants and volunteers,” the release said.

The Bonnie Dallas Senior Center alone served 450 to 500 seniors a day before COVID-19 for its daily lunch. The center also has a fitness center, dance instruction and other group activities. Of those served, about 125 people older than 55 participate in 20 different Senior Olympic events, said Jack Lowery, adult programs manager for the city of Farmington.

“The Bonnie Dallas Senior Center has been closed to the public since March 13, 2020,” Lowery said in an email Monday. “This affects employees who pour their hearts and soul into these games. We all (staff and seniors) look forward to a time when we can come together again and safely host games.”

When the center can safely reopen, Lowery said it will celebrate “game days” and other events that “highlight the athletic talents and creative skills of our patrons.”

mmitchell@durangoherald.com