Athletes Ready for the 2019 Visalia Senior Games

Winning never gets old for the athletes who participate in Visalia Senior Games. The 4th Annual Visalia Senior Games return this spring, spanning the last two weekends of March (March 23-24 and 30-31).

The Visalia Senior Games, sponsored by the Kaweah Delta HealthCare District, promote a healthy, active lifestyle for adults ages 50 and better. This is an event that not only recognizes active seniors but draws attendees from all over California and the Western United States, contributing to our local economy. Participants do not need prior athletic or competition experience, just a love of sports, fitness and camaraderie to enjoy the games. Nearly 150 athletes are already registered for this year's games and hundreds more are expected to register before the March 14th deadline.

Pickleball, swimming and track and field are the most popular events so far, based on the number of athletes registered when this issue went to press.

The youngest athlete registered is 51 years of age, the oldest is 79. Registrants are from as far north as Folsom and as far south as Oceanside. There is currently one athlete registered from out of state (Nevada).

The Visalia Senior Games will feature events ranging from archery to swimming to track and field, and include new events such as basketball and a 5k/10k cycling time trial.

A social event is also scheduled each weekend of the games. Socials are open to everyone 50+. The Visalia Parks and Recreation Department encourages the public to join the athletes for some fun and light-hearted competition. The "I Love the 80's" Game Night

will be held on March 23 at the Anthony Community Center. This event is free to attend, with food and beverages available. Enjoy party games and costume contests, or sign-up for darts and a Texas Hold'Em Tournament for $5 per event. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event.

The "Party in the Park" Social on March 30 at Plaza Park will include food, live music, dancing, drinks and a cornhole tournament. Tickets are $10 per person for dinner or $15 per person for dinner and entry into the cornhole tournament.

If you are not ready to compete but still want to participate, you can attend a social event or sign up to become a volunteer at sporting events, socials or building packets for the athletes.

For more information about registration, volunteering or social events, visit http://www.visaliaseniorgames.com.