KEARNEY, Neb. - The Nebraska Senior Games are underway in Kearney, drawing older athletes from across the state and beyond to compete, reunite and celebrate the joy of movement.

For table tennis competitors like Grand Island resident Nita Lechner it’s much more than a tournament- it’s a comeback.

“I haven’t done anything for two years but the most important thing is we’re back," said Lechner. "For me bringing love, light and laughter to everyone I meet every day is the most important thing in my life,” she added.

Lechner has competed in the Nebraska Senior Games since they began, often alongside her longtime friends and teammates. 

Lechner returned this year after a last-minute invitation. “A friend asked if I’d play table tennis, and I said yes,” she said. “I called Sylvana from Lincoln and we just jumped in.”

That teammate is Sylvana Airan, a veteran senior games athlete and advocate who also helps run the table tennis program for the Cornhusker state games.

Airan has made it her mission to compete in as many states as possible.

“There aren’t many states that even host senior games, so I want to support Nebraska because it's a great opportunity," said Airan.

Airan and her teammates recently competed at the USA National Senior Games, and said the experience is about more than competition.

“When we went to nationals, it was like a reunion,” she said. “You see people you met in other states. It’s a beautiful gathering."

Several seniors said Thursday that table tennis offers them positive mental and physical benefits.

“Table tennis can improve eye coordination, brain activity and reflexes,” said Airan. “And it’s a very accepting sport- it's for everyone."

For Lechner, returning to the senior games competition brought more than medals.

“If I can still come and make people happy and laugh, and do something active, then I’ve done something good,” said Lechner. “I’m just grateful to wake up on the green side of the earth and be here.”

The Nebraska Senior Games include more than 40 events from pickleball and racquetball to swimming, weightlifting and even card games.

This year’s competition runs Aug. 6 - 10 in Kearney and features more than 400 athletes from at least 10 states, according to event officials.