Don’t miss out on the fun!
Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll kicked off the 35th anniversary of the Senior Games today with the ceremonial lighting of the torch at Courthouse Green. The Senior Games is open to adults 50 and older and over 300 participants are expected to participate this year.
“Fort Wayne is a great place for people to enjoy successful aging,” said Mayor Henry. “Events like the Senior Games place an emphasis on the importance of physical activity and engaging in a healthy and active lifestyle. Our seniors have so much to offer, and I’m encouraged that older adults are making a positive difference in our community.”
The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Community Center hosted the first annual Senior Games competition in 1979 to promote the benefits of remaining active and physically fit, and to encourage all adults over 50 to adopt a healthy, enjoyable lifestyle. Styled after the Olympics, the games offer competition in more than 30 physically and mentally challenging events such as bocce, bowling, pickleball, cornhole, softball throw, billiards, putting, table tennis and more. Seniors can test their talent and skill, while enjoying good company and making new friends. This year, five new events and weekend times were added to the schedule, to accommodate working residents. The various Senior Game events have been scheduled over a three week period, through June 20.
“Senior Games is the model for what the Parks & Recreation Department strives to achieve,” said Director Moll. “It’s a community supported event for the community. We have nine sponsors and fifteen businesses who give us their space for free. We also have over 50 volunteers running the event.”
Participants and individual event winners will be recognized at an awards banquet on Thursday, June 20, 6 pm at the Community Center on Main Street. Awards include door prizes and gift cards for event winners.
It’s not too late to join the fun! For more information regarding times and locations of events, please call the Community Center at 427-6460 or visit http://www.fortwayneparks.org/
