Pat Boone Blessed To Be On The Basketball Court
The 2019 National Senior Games presented by Humana is hosting numerous notable athletes, but today, one athlete drew in a gaggle of fans for a different reason.
Gospel Music Hall of Fame Member Pat Boone, whose most notable work includes hit songs like Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally and At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama); renowned movies like April Love and Goodbye Charlie and number-one best selling book Twixt Twelve and Twenty, is playing basketball at The Games with the Virginia Creepers for the third time.
The Virginia Creepers played their first game Tuesday and defeated Pass it 2 Me, 34-18. In their second game, the Virginia Creepers defeated the Tennessee Bombers, 34-26.
The Games Daily News spoke with Pat following the first game and asked him how it felt to be competing at The National Senior Games. “Blessed, just blessed,” Pat says enthusiastically.
“I’ve started my 86th year, and to be able to be out here with these guys and be able to run around and play is amazing. Not many our age can do this,” he says. “We are a fortunate few and the only reason we’re here is because we obey the cardinal rules of taking care of ourselves.”
Here at The Games, Pat is wearing No. 24 to honor Rick Barry, a well-known player for the Oakland Oaks of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and later named an NBA Hall of Famer. Pat was previously an owner of the Oaks and had a part in the genesis of the ABA. Barry was the star of the team and drew hoards of attention and press coverage to the Oakland Oaks.
“I’m the only guy here who has helped start a league, and then won a championship with my very own team. So, I’ve got to try and equip myself reasonably well here,” he says.
The Virginia Creepers will play two more games on Wednesday and hope to advance to the medal rounds. .
Pat may be a celebrity, but that doesn’t subtract from how much he loves and appreciates the National Senior Games.
“It’s the joy. The joy of being alive and being capable,” he notes as his favorite part of participating in The Games. “And, it isn’t on accident. Most of the people out here have taken care of themselves and are getting a great reward.”
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