Mary Van Sciver, who lives in Brandywine Living in Voorhees, has been active her whole life. Why stop now?
Spring is finally here, and the warm weather has everyone ready to get outside and stretch their legs. For most residents of Brandywine Living at Voorhees, a stroll outside is sufficient — but for 89-year-old Mary Van Sciver, it’s time to push her athletic boundaries.
Sciver is training to enter the Penn Relays Masters Mixed 100 meter dash on Saturday, April 29— a race specifically for athletes over the age of 80.
The Penn Relays are the United States’ oldest track and field competition, dating back to 1895. It is also one of the largest track events in the world, drawing over 15,000 participants and a whopping 100,000 attendees over the course of the week. The relays are hosted by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, traditionally held during the last week of April.
Sciver was born in Merchantville, NJ, and has been a lifelong resident of southern New Jersey. Always the athletic type, she was goalie of her high school field hockey team, and went on to enjoy daily runs with her husband, Hugh. She and her husband moved to Brandywine Living at Voorhees in January 2016, and she has continued her athletic endeavors by taking every exercise class available at the community.
“I always thought keeping moving was a helpful thing to do in growing up and in older age,” Sciver said. “I’ve always been pretty active. I played tennis, we both ran Broad Street. I used to play soccer with my kids.”
The decision to enter the Penn Relays occurred one afternoon in the Tap Room at Brandywine. Sciver, Hugh, and a few other residents were discussing local sporting events, and one of them mentioned the Penn Relays. Hugh had run the Penn Relays while he was in high school, and given Sciver’s natural athleticism and competitiveness, the idea to enter the Masters Mixed was born.
Sciver has since been using Eastern High School’s track to practice for the competition, with the help and encouragement of Brandywine Living at Voorhees’ Escapades Producer (and fellow athlete), Jennifer Soss. Virtua has also made their Center for HealthFitness in Voorhees available to Sciver in preparation for the event.
When asked about the upcoming race, Sciver said that she is nervous, but excited. Her motto, “No lookers, only doers,” continues to drive her through her training, and has inspired her friends and fellow residents.
“To everybody involved or listening, keep moving. Keep moving. If you can,” is the advice Sciver offered.
She will be competing against 15 other athletes at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 29.
The above article is from a press release sent out by Amy Konczal of Brandywine Living.
