Tennessee Senior Olympics Inducts Two Chattanooga Athletes into Inaugural Hall of Fame

June 30, 2017

WDEFAdmin,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Scenic City athletes Charlie Baker, 90, and Warren Barger, 96, were inducted into the first class of the newly-established Tennessee Senior Olympics Hall of Fame during a special ceremony held on Monday night in Franklin.

Both men have been involved with the Tennessee Senior Olympics for decades, winning numerous medals and ribbons in a variety of sports over the years.

A lifelong runner, Baker became involved with Senior Olympics after his retirement from DuPont in 1993. He has competed in track and field events, racquetball, pickleball, and volleyball, and has broken numerous records. Baker especially loves to compete in track events such as the 50, 100, 200 and 400 meter races. He also served as an ambassador and board member for the Senior Olympics, encouraging others to get involved in order to remain active as they age.

“A lot of times, when you retire, you lose the routine. The Senior Olympics gave me a way to be active and stay involved,” said Baker. “I’ve enjoyed staying in the best shape I can.”

Barger has lived in Red Bank since 1958 and has been involved in senior activities for decades, even before the Senior Olympics were founded. His senior sports career began with volleyball. He turned out to be a gifted recruiter and instructor, and taught many people how to play various sports. Active all his life, Barger currently plays badminton – his favorite sport – twice a week, as well as pickleball and golf weekly. He’s broken more than a dozen records as a senior athlete and has won many medals.

“I enjoy being able to compete and see the friends I’ve made over the years,” said Barger. “My competitors are my circle of friends.”

“We are so pleased to celebrate the achievements of these individuals and recognize their commitment to remaining active and staying healthy,” said Christine Dewbre, executive director of the Tennessee Senior Olympics.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, a longtime sponsor of the Tennessee Senior Olympics, is the title sponsor of the Hall of Fame.

“As a Tennessee-based company, we champion better health for Volunteer State residents at all stages of life,” said Roy Vaughn, the company’s senior vice president and chief communications officer. “It’s why we’ve supported the Senior Olympics for so many years, and why we’re excited to support the recognition of extraordinary senior athletes through the new Hall of Fame program.”