Twenty-eight games will be played in the NRV Senior Games this year. Open to all residents 50 years of age and older the NRV games will be held April 28-May 3 throughout the NRV. The games are preliminary to state and national Senior Games.
“This is the third time since we’ve been in our new location and we’ve been here for 18 years. Time flies,” Audrey Caldwell, senior program coordinator/fitness supervisor said.
Participants come from Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Floyd, Giles, Pulaski, as far as Wytheville.
Deadline for registration is April 8 and the games are held throughout the NRV.
“We usually have right around 125 to 130 people sign up and the average age is in the upper 60s. We have people in their 80s and 90s too,” Caldwell said.
“We have swimming and corn hole – that’s really popular – pickle ball and riflery , 3-on-3 basketball, discus and shot put,” she said. The games range from the traditional like badminton, bowling and a 5K walk and running events to contemporary Wii bowling.
The Radford Parks and Recreation announcement said the Senior Games give participants the opportunity to display their athletic ability, exchange and share common ties and interests with other senior people.
“Senior citizens enjoy participating in the NRV Senior Games, it’s not so much about competing but it’s the fellowship opportunities,” Caldwell said.
The local games are conducted by the rules of the state games, and one can participate in the Virginia Senior Games without participating locally.
Registration forms and information for the Virginia Senior State Games can be obtained from the Virginia Recreation & Park Society, 6038 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, or by calling (804) 731-9447, or Virginia Amateur Sports, Inc., 711-C 5th Street, NE, Roanoke, VA 24016, (540) 343-0987).
The Virginia Games will be held May 15-18, 2019 Pickleball: May 10-11, 2019 in Henrico, Virginia.
One game registration fee is $10.00, two games for $15.00, and $20.00 for participation in 3 or more events.
Details and registration visit https://www.radfordva.gov/1044/2019-New-River-Valley-Senior-Games-appli
Or call 540-731-5517, Audrey.Caldwell@radfordva.gov<mailto:Caldwell@radfordva.gov. Learn more about event offered to seniors by the city visit www.radfordva.gov/370/Events