Hometown Heroes: Janet and Alfred Freniere
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — This week’s Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses Hometown Sports Heroes are Janet and Alfred Freniere.
The Rhode Island Senior Games returned after a four-year absence and two of the most excited competitors were the oldest couple in the field. 86-year-old Janet Freniere and her 84-year-old husband Alfred competed in multiple Track and Field events.
“We always have time for this because it’s more important than doing the dishes or cutting the grass or something,” Janet Freniere said. “So that’s what we do. We come here and everyone is so nice.”
“My wife started when she was 64, up in Maine, a cold, blistering day,” Alfred Freniere said. “And I said ‘Jeez, there are only five girls. Why don’t you try it,’ and she was hooked. Now she’s involved also. We’ve been all over the country doing Senior Olympics, we’ve been all over the county competing. And you meet so many people in the world, from different areas, different countries, and you get to know them really. You can see if you walk around that they are all the same and have the same attitude.”
Alfred coached many sports, including Track and Field in his 49-year career and he’s planning to keep coaching ahead of next Summer’s National Senior Games. He’s hoping he and Janet can qualify for the trip to Des Moines, Iowa. It’s a challenge Janet seems to be up for, and it would be a fun way to celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary.
“Oh, because you have to do something,” Janet Freniere said. “You can’t just sit there and watch television all day, right? You can’t just sit there and do housework all day. You get that done and then you come have fun.”
“Well, I’ll compete till I can’t walk anymore,” Alfred Freniere said. “I think it’s important to get out there and rejuvenate your body. It’s very important to keep moving. You know, God gave us a body to work with, not just to sleep down or get on crutches. I’ve had crutches, wheelchairs, so I know how it is. They don’t have to live with them. They can get out of them, they should rejuvenate. We’ll be doing it. My wife loves the idea.”
If you have a Hometown Sports Hero you’d like to nominate, email [email protected].
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