Northern Virginia Senior Olympics Registration is Underway

While the world watches the athletes of the 2012 Summer Olympics compete, seniors right here in our area are getting ready to participate in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO).

The goal of NVSO and its participants, however, is not to get a gold, silver or a bronze medal, but to live longer, healthier lives through activity and fellowship, according to a NVSO press release.

“It is our goal to promote healthy aging through both mental and physical activity,” said NVSO Chairman Jack Hobbs. "Which is why NVSO offers such a wide range of  events from sports to board games.”

The 2012 NVSO will take place Sept. 15-26  at 18 venues throughout  Northern Virginia. This year marks the organization's 30th anniversary.  Adults 50 years of age as of December 31, 2012,  who live in one of the sponsoring jurisdictions, including Prince William County, are eligible to participate.

Manassas Park residents can attend the event as spectators, but can't compete because the city isn't one of the sponsoring jurisdictions.

Seven hundred adults, ages 50-94, are expected to compete in this year's event that is open to the public, the release said.

Events include badminton, volleyball, cycling, track and field, swimming, diving, tennis, table tennis, golf, miniature golf, ten pin bowling, Wii bowling, pickleball, bocce, racquetball, scrabble, cribbage, duplicate bridge, bunco, horseshoes, men’s 3 on 3 basketball, team line dancing, yo-yo tricks, eight ball pool, Frisbee throw and softball hit and throw, among others.  Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded after each event.

“We have added six new events to the 2012 competition,” Hobbs said.  “A 400 meter walk will join eight other track events and a high jump will be added to five other field events. Also new in 2012 are Mexican Train Dominos, basketball, field goal shooting, football throw and a 20K cycling time trial.”

The deadline to register is Sept. 1. Registration forms are available at senior residences, community centers, seniors centers and online at www.nvso.us or by calling 703-228-4721.

Registration fee is $12 which covers multiple events.   NVSO is sponsored by the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church.

To learn more, please visit http://www.nvso.us