CLEVELAND — "Competitors for Life," that's one of the slogans of The Pan-American Masters games, going on right now in Cleveland.

Thousands of athletes from around the world are in town to take part in dozens of sporting events, and all of them are over the age of 30. Some of them are decades older.

“I’m playing in the mixed doubles,” said Mimi Hargate. 

Hargate is one of the oldest athletes from the Cleveland area participating in the Pan-American Masters Games. She’s 77 and is playing pickleball.

“I started playing pickleball right after I got retired, approximately 8 years ago. I’ve always been active, played racquetball, tennis. I just love sports,” Hargate said. 

Her pickleball partner is Peter Dobrea, who is 71.

“I’ve been an athlete most of my life," Dobrea said. "Pickleball is something that is a recent interest for me, but it has certainly helped my overall well-being plus my mental state as well."

The pair linked up with Elliot Unger for a round of practice pickleball. He is 74.

“When you get to be my age, you might be in the 7th inning of life, but the game isn’t over.

They say they are excited for the Games.

“The idea of playing against some of the best competition in the world at my age is quite a challenge,” Unger said.

“First of all to meet so many people from all over. Second of all to play with such a nice partner. There’s comradery and friendship,” Dobrea said.

“It was more about an adventure," Hargate said. "It’s not because I think I’m that great. I just like the competition, and I think it would be fun."

The Pan-American Masters Games run through July 21.