The annual Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will be held September 9 through October 4. The games provide local seniors with opportunities to test their physical shape and mental sharpness against their peers.
This year there will be two new events: rock climbing and darts. Events are typically in five- and 10-year age groups and separated by gender.
Last year’s Northern Virginia Senior Olympics was its largest event ever. More than 1,200 seniors ages 50 plus attended the 17-day affair, which was held at 30 locations around the area.
The more than 90 NVSO events include recreational physical activities and nonphysical games. They include power walking, cornhole, diving, cycling, pickleball, poker, Scrabble, and mahjong.
Falls Church resident and newly elected chair of the NVSO Michael Coleman predicts another record year for participation. “The games also provide an opportunity to connect and enjoy a shared experience with like-minded seniors,” says Coleman. “Exercise, mental acuity, and socialization are major factors affecting one’s well-being as you age. And these factors are reflected in the NVSO’s mission of ‘living healthy longer.’”
The NVSO was organized in 1982 in tandem with local parks and recreation departments. All events are open to the public and friends and family are welcome to attend.
“To reuse a quote from a participant,‘It’s not about age. It’s what you can do at your age,’” Coleman says.
Feature image courtesy Northern Virginia Senior Olympics
