Bonnie Coleman

Bonnie Coleman Says the New Mexico Senior Olympics is About the Three ‘F”s: Fun. Family. And more fun.

This summer, Bonnie Coleman will once again prove that passion, determination, and community support can break down any barriers as she competes in the New Mexico Senior Olympics. A dedicated athlete, Bonnie is participating in swimming, track and field, and her favorite sport—softball. Bonnie’s journey began in 2001 when she moved to New Mexico and discovered a recreational softball league for players over 50. Intrigued, she joined—and quickly found herself on a team that would go on to qualify for NMSO. What began as casual fun turned into a serious athletic commitment. These days, Bonnie’s training schedule is packed. On Monday mornings, she hits the pool to train for swimming events. Two to three days a week are devoted to track and field, while at least three more days are dedicated to playing softball with her Albuquerque senior league team. “It’s a full week,” she says, “but I love every minute of it.” Bonnie, who is paralyzed from the knees down, admits she was initially hesitant to compete at the NMSO. She feared that prospective teammates would be reluctant to play with someone who needed accommodations. But the experience was just the opposite. “I was blown away by how supportive and creative my team was,” she says. “They didn’t just make room for me—they rallied around me.” With smart strategy, well-practiced plays, and excellent communication, Bonnie’s teammates created ways for her to shine on the field. It’s that blend of competition and camaraderie that makes the NMSO so special to her. One of Bonnie’s most cherished memories is seeing her daughter—who also lives with a disability—touched by the spirit of the games. As a volunteer at a swimming event, her daughter watched a visually impaired swimmer guided solely by a coach’s vocal cues. The crowd’s roar as he finished his final lap brought her to tears. That moment inspired her daughter to begin training for her own NMSO debut once she turned 50. To other seniors who may be unsure, Bonnie has a message: “At NMSO, you can do. Be realistic about your abilities, but don’t let fear stop you from trying. This group is all about the three ‘F”s: Fun. Family. And more fun.”