By Tamas Mondovics
Tampa Bay Senior Games, the annual three-week competition featuring more than 30 events, is set to welcome area residents that are prepared to measure up their athletic skills, talents, speed and agility.
The event, which has been a fall staple for area senior residents for the past three-and-a-half years, is scheduled to take place from Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 17 with registration currently underway and to remain open until Wednesday, September 17 for anyone who will be age 50 or older by the end of this year.
Each year, the Tampa Bay Senior Games are hosted by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department; Hillsborough County Family and Aging Services; City of Tampa Recreation Department and Temple Terrace Leisure Services.
Game officials are always pleased to see a great turnout of athletes, especially those that set a fine example of healthy living by staying active while representing both ends of the age-spectrum.
“Last year’s oldest contestant was 94 years young and the youngest was 50,” said County spokesperson Adrienne Frucci.
Previous years have reported of drawing more than 650 competitors with the majority participating in the games on opening day.
New on the schedule this year is cycling areas of competition including a wide range of sports, talent showcase, hobby show, baking contest and more.
Participants competing in the following events also have the opportunity to qualify and advance to the state competitions of basketball free shooting, billiards, bowling, cycling, golf, pickleball, power lifting, swimming, track and field events, table tennis and tennis.
Entry fee is $20 and includes unlimited participation in the games, a ticket to the awards luncheon, opening ceremony breakfast, and a T-shirt. Some events require a nominal additional registration fee. Non-participants can also attend the awards luncheon for $10.
The following are sponsors of the 2014 Tampa Bay Senior Games: Lifestyles After 50, HART, Bright House Networks, CarePlus Health Plans, Serenity Meadows, Good Faith Insurance Services, Coventry Health Care of Florida – Medicare Advantage Plans, Humana, Peabody’s Entertainment Complex, LifePath Hospice, Florida West Coast Credit Union, CAC-Florida Medical Centers, WellMed and Go Touch Down Travel and Tours.
For the registration form and more information, visit www.hillsboroughcoun ty.org/SeniorGames or call 635-3519.
