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| Senior Olympians demonstrate the value of staying fit. [NVSO] |
If you’ve ever dreamed about competing in the Olympics, it’s not too late, even if you’re well past the age of peak ability.
Anyone 50 and older can compete in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. The even features traditional sports, like track and field, swimming, and racquetball, and for those who aren’t athletically inclined, there are non-physical events like scrabble, duplicate bridge, and Mexican train dominoes.
The registration deadline is Sept. 4 online and Aug. 28 by regular mail. The basic registration fee is $12, which covers multiple events. There are additional fees for golf ($50) and bowling ($10).
Taking part in the NVSO is a great way to work on your fitness goals, make new friends, stay active – and possibly win a gold medal. The goal of the NVSO is “to promote healthy aging through both mental and physical activity,” says NVSO chair Dave Jerome.
Two new events have been added this year: corn hole and nine-ball pool. Other events include diving, cycling, tennis, table tennis, miniature golf, volleyball, pickleball, men’s basketball, handball, badminton, and bocce.
Opening day ceremonies, followed by the indoor track competition, will be held Sept. 12, 9 a.m., at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington.
NVSO is sponsored by the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. Participants must live within one of those jurisdictions and must turn 50 by Dec. 31. Most of the games have several age groups.