The games give athletes a venue for competition, but also encourage more sedentary seniors to get some exercise. The games showcase South Sound and ring cash registers in local hotels, restaurants and shops.
“The Washington State Senior Games is all about feeling great about yourself, feeling younger and making new friends,” said Jack Kiley, president of Puget Sound Senior Games, the host committee for the state competition. “We want all men and women age 50-plus to make exercise and fun a year-round habit.”
Kiley said, “Staying active and competing with others in your own age group really gets those juices flowing again. Many of our athletes are joining us for the first time, while others have competed in many different events over the years. They can participate in as many events as their time and schedule permits, a practice that sets apart the Senior Games from any other competition. To see the effort and the smiles on the faces of these men and women competing is an inspiration to all ages.”
Kiley is right when he says the games serve as a motivator for senior citizens who are not leading an active life. Over the years, a number of area residents and visitors have either volunteered or come out as spectators, witnessed how fit and active others are and committed to get off the couch, get some exercise and focus on their own well-being. “They see the real advantages of an active versus sedentary lifestyle and make changes in their own lives,” Kiley said.
Events for the 2011 Washington State Senior Games include archery, basketball, badminton, bowling, cowboy action shooting, cycling, dance, golf, pickleball, pool/8-ball, power lifting, race walking, racquetball, 5k and 10k runs, shuffleboard, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball and a whole array of track and field events.
The senior games are great for the community because it showcases South Sound and some of our sporting venues. Many of the athletes spend the weekend here boosting the local tourism industry. Kiley said the economic impact of the games is more than a half-million dollars.
Seventy-five percent of the athletes come from outside Thurston County. Many are from Canada, California and Oregon and come from as far away as Texas and Ohio.
The state games have grown in popularity to the point that some events have been moved out of Thurston County and the events have been stretched over several weekends.
While some of the events have already been staged, the Senior Games officially open at 8 a.m. Saturday at Tumwater High School Stadium on Israel Road. Following the playing of the national anthem, officials from the state, Thurston County, and local mayors will officially open the games.
In partnership with the Capitol Volkssport Club, a Senior Games Walk will begin immediately after the opening ceremonies where athletes of all ages can participate in a 5k (3.1 mile) or 10k (6.2 mile) walk along residential streets.
After a full day of competition and in celebration of all athletes and their families, volunteers and sponsors, a reception and dinner is planned for 5 p.m. at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. N.W.
The featured speaker will be Helen Thayer of Snohomish who gained international notoriety for her walk to the North Pole with her dog as her lone companion.
“The lady exists on these physical challenges, whether it’s the North Pole, the Gobi or Sahara deserts, most of which she has done since she turned 50,” Kiley said. “She really is something else and those in attendance will find new inspiration in her talk and incredible photographs.”
The senior games operate on a budget of about $100,000, with half of the money coming from entrance fees and the rest from sponsorships – a strong showing of community support. For more information go to http: pugetsoundgames.com.
The senior games deserve this community’s support because they offer good-natured competition, they help people feel good about themselves and forge new friendships, and they serve as an inspiration for senior citizens and people of all ages to get more exercise and improve their health.
