Grab Life and Go... Get in the Games!

by Val Burgess, Senior Games Board Member

Greater Seattle Senior Games
June 24-26
Garfield Community Center

A participant in the Senior Games track and field competition achieves a new personal best. Click here for more photos of participants from previous Senior Games!

Want to put the fun back into your fitness routine?  Gear up for the Greater Seattle Senior Games and play for life! 

In partnership with the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, the Greater Seattle Senior Games (GSSG) began in 1998 with a purpose of encouraging and educating Senior Adults about the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. The games have grown to become a yearlong program of events and activities promoting health and fitness through sports for adults 50 and better.

This year's festival offers events in over a dozen different sports:  badminton, pickleball, table tennis, tennis, basketball, walking, swimming, power lifting, track and field, volleyball, golf, soccer and ballroom dancing. In addition to the sporting events, participants can attend a Celebration Banquet on Saturday evening that will include a buffet reception with music and dancing, door prizes, and an awards ceremony. 

You don't have to be a sports nut or a "team player" to participate. Events such as the free Fun Walk and the Saturday evening dance are geared for all abilities and experience levels. The ballroom dance competition will have a special rate and "newcomer" category for first time competitors.  

The Greater Seattle event is associated with the National Senior Games, also known as the Senior Olympics. Participants at local events throughout the country qualify for their state's competition, and from there to the national event.  This year's Senior Olympics will take place in Pittsburgh from June 3-18.

Participants must be age 50 by December 31, 2005.  Age division for competition is in five-year increments (50-54, 55-69, etc., up to 90 ).  The registration deadline is June 15. Fees may vary, depending upon the sport and the number of events in which athletes choose to participate. 

The GSSG is a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote health, fitness, and a positive image of senior adults.

For more information

The Greater Seattle Senior Games
www.cityofseattle.net/parks/Seniors/games.htm
Tim Pretare, Senior Adult Programs
(206) 684-4240
tim.pretare@seattle.gov

Washington State Senior Games
www.pugetsoundgames.com

National Senior Games - Senior Olympics www.2005seniorgames.org/home.jsp

Can't make the Senior Games, but would still like a fun way to get active? 

Sound Steps kicks off its third season of walking on May 31.  The Sounds Steps walking program, which runs through October 1, offers participants the combined benefits of social and physical activity, and hopes to motivate participants to begin a regular and life-long commitment to fitness.  Participants meet for regularly scheduled group walks, as well as walking on their own. The program is available at community centers throughout Seattle and King County.

For more information about the program, visit www.4elders.org/soundsteps.htm or call the Seattle Parks and Recreation Senior Adult Programs at 206-684-4951. 

Val Burgess is a Senior Games Board Member and Soccer Commissioner