Show #388 Airing Sunday, 5/20/07
You don't have to wait until the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing for an exciting competition. The 2007 Northcoast Senior Games will soon be held, right in our own backyard. And here to tell us how we can leap into the action is Karen Reis, recreation manager for Lake Metroparks.
Question: Tell us about the Northcoast Senior Games.
Answer: For about 10 years, this regional (five county) senior games tournament has been held for active seniors to participate in. In recent years, Lake Metroparks has hosted the games with the support of local senior centers and community centers, as well as corporate sponsors.
Events include bowling, golf, swimming, billiards, shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes, etc.
Question; Who participates in the games each year? Are they ex-olympians or our neighbors?
Answer: Approximately 300 people register each year, and the average participant signs up for about three events.
The games are open to anyone who turns 50 this calendar year, and older. Last year our oldest athlete was 91. A few years ago, we had a participant who was 100 years old, who then visited The Tonight Show and threw the discus on that program.
Question: What events will we enjoy?
Answer: This year the games will be held from June 2 through June 8. We open with our track and field events on June 2 at Perry High School. Other events take place throughout the week throughout the region, including:
- Bowling at Wickliffe Lanes
- Softball in Solon
- Horseshoe throwing in Chesterland
- Bocce at the Wickliffe Italian American Club
In addition to our competitive events, we have events for athletes who are more focused on having fun rather than winning. For example, we are holding a "Seniors Got Talent" event where participants can play an instrument, dance, juggle, etc. You need No expertise. Just a desire to have fun.
We are also holding "Be Fit" lectures, where you can listen to guest speakers discuss topics like building strength and maintaining your brain.
The closing dinner banquet will be held at the Willowick Senior Center on June 8th.
Question: How do you join?
Answer: You can give us a call to receive more information or to register. A list of our events is online as well.
The fee for athletes is $10 if you register before May 26th and $15 afterwards.
On your mark, get set, go…register for the 2007 Northcoast Senior Games. The number to call is next. My thanks to Karen Reis.
