SENIOR OLYMPICS

The National Games are held every other year and Hargett has continued to participate; Virginia — gold, Baton Rouge — fourth place ribbon, Kentucky — bronze, and in 2011, Houston — silver and bronze.

Hargett, mother of four, has always bowled leisurely. And daughter Sheri is quick to admit she was a “bowling alley baby.” As the years went by, Ratzlaff practiced with her mother, cheered her on, and even served as her driver to get her to the various competitions.

This year is going to be different. Ratzlaff joined a league and started preparation for the recent 30th Memphis District Senior Olympics. Mother and daughter received Gold in doubles competition.

Hargett also bowled mixed doubles with Lee Cleaves, age 84. According to the Olympics regulations, teams must bowl in the youngest partner’s age group. Therefore, Hargett bowled against 80-year- olds — and completed the contest with a silver medal. Additionally, she received a gold medal in singles competition.

Hargett and Ratzlaff are making plans for the 2012 Tennessee State Olympics in Williamson County in July. Their hope is to qualify for the 2013 Nationals in Cleveland, Ohio.

This bowling duo hopes to be a winning combination, but one thing’s for sure — they will always remember this year’s competition as they take to the lanes together.

Terrie Kirksey is executive director for the Lewis Center for Senior Citizens at 1188 North Parkway in Midtown.

Sheri Ratzlaff, 50, of Collierville and her mother, Dorothy Hargett, 90, of Memphis recently bowled their way to gold in doubles competition in the 30th Memphis District Senior Olympics.