Hall of Fame 2010 - Dan Teran Profile
Inducted: 2010
City: West Des Moines, IA
Dan is the perfect person Hall of Famer to represent the people who found the Iowa Senior Olympics while finding a way to stay active, then immersed themselves in the Games and had a big impact. Dan moved to Des Moines in 1995 and signed up for a 50+ softball league. The first person he met at the diamond was I.S.O. Hall of Famer Ken Clark. Dan was obviously a skilled player and enthusiastic about all sports and Ken invited him to come along to a Senior Games in North Dakota. Dan entered 6 events and came home with 1 Gold and 5 Silver medals. That trip cemented Dan’s commitment to being part of the Senior Olympics.
Dan has competed in nearly every event offered at the Games. He has won 110 total medals with 27 Gold’s, 56 Silver’s and 27 Bronze Medals taken home. In addition to the Iowa and North Dakota State Games he has travelled to Nebraska, Illinois and Missouri. He also competed at the National Senior Games in 1999 when they were held in Orlando. Dan also competed with softball teams which have gone to Nationals twice. He lists Iowa as his favorite site. He considers the people running the events as first rate and the competition friendly and at a high level.
One of Dan’s favorite memories of the Games is also one of his most painful. He had just completed his favorite event in track & field, the 100 meter dash, and was sitting with fellow competitor Ron Peterson. They announced the start of the 800 meter run and Ron said, “Come on lets do this, you will be good in it.” Dan was dubious but agreed to go to the line. Dan quickly went to the back of the pack and the two trips around the track seemed to take forever. As he came down the home straightaway the people at the finish line were clapping and waiving him on.
“I was really surprised and pleased that people would cheer me despite being so far behind,” said Teran. “Then I realized they were waiving for me to hurry up so they could start the next race.” Obviously Dan’s sense of humor is also Hall of Fame quality.
Dan is also well knows for volunteering his time and efforts to helping others. He was the Humana Starlight Award winner in 2009. An award given to people who volunteer and make a big impact on their communities. Dan credits the Iowa Senior Olympics with getting him started in this area as well. Long time Executive Director of the Iowa Sr. Olympics Dan Lake suggested that Dan meet with the West Des Moines Human Services department. As a result of starting working with them Dan has become a resource for Mercy Hospital and social services and the police department as a translator and councilor. He certainly represents the Senior Olympic motto of, “Play. Compete. Live.”