Registration for this year’s Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2017, opens next month, and the tournament is expected to be bigger than ever with nearly 50 competitions hosted at venues across the region.
This year’s event doesn’t take place until this fall, from Sept. 9-20, but registration to participate opens July 10.
Every year, NVSO brings together Northern Virginians aged 50 and older to compete in a range of events testing brawn and brains. Competitions run the gamut, including more traditional Olympic games like track, shot put and high jump, plus tennis, swimming, cycling and more. There are also more nontraditional games like cornhole, miniature golf, Scrabble and sudoku. Participants can sign up for as many events as they choose as long as the schedules don’t conflict.
NVSO, sponsored by regional parks departments, hopes to promote the abilities of the region’s seniors, healthy lifestyles and Northern Virginia’s rec centers. Games take place at a number of those rec centers, including Arlington Mill Community and Senior Center, Manassas Park Community Center, Oak Marr Rec Center, Claude Moore Recreation Center and many more.
Registration for the Senior Olympics is a $13 flat fee plus an additional $1 per event. There are additional costs for select games, including bowling, cycling, golf and orienteering. Financial aid is available for those who would like to participate.
On-site registration is not available at the games; it must be completed in advance by mail or online. The deadline for registrations submitted by mail is Aug. 26, and online registration ends Sept. 2. Participants must reside in one of the sponsoring cities or counties: Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax City and County, Falls Church, Loudoun, Fauquier and Prince William.
