Pati Named Nevada Citizen of Year

May 1, 2014

Senior Softball pioneer Frank Pati, a 78-year-old player and director from Mesquite, was chosen to be the first Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year.

The nominees were based on their significant contributions made at the local, state, and/or national level and by excellence achieved through going above and beyond the call of duty, specifically with respect to volunteer work in support of Senior Citizens of Nevada.

Additionally, candidates were evaluated on the scope and impact of their achievements and the extent to which their efforts benefited and provided inspiration to their community and other Senior Citizens, according to Dr. Herb Randall, chair of the Nevada Delegation of the National Silver Haired Congress (NSHC) Selection Committee.

NHSC in partnership with the Aging Services Directors Organization established the Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year Award earlier this year. Organizers say they plan on making the award an annual event. The governor has been invited to present the award.

Pati is a pioneer in senior softball and is also known as ‘Mr. Senior Softball.’ He is the founder and chairman of the Mesquite Senior Games and was instrumental in bringing the SSUSA Spring World Championships to Mesquite.

“Mesquite Senior Games started humbly with a 50+ softball tournament 18 years ago and progressed into the Mesquite Senior Games in 2002,” said Mark Wier, mayor of Mesquite.

“Frank has single handedly brought teams from 42 states to participate in a number of Senior Games events each year. Through his vision, commitment and tenacity the program continues to grow and has brought hundreds of senior athletes to our community, many who have made Mesquite their home,” said Wier. “The Mesquite Senior Games contribute to the economic vitality and tourism of Mesquite. Frank Pati is ‘the Mesquite Senior Games’.”

“Frank Pati has been a driving force in developing senior softball in Mesquite and the Southwest,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive officer. “This is well-deserved recognition for a man who has selflessly worked to provide the opportunity for hundreds of seniors to play ball.”