Ready. . . Set. . . Still time to get in on the Fun of the Northwest Senior Games
BY RANDAL C. HILL
Has it been a while since you competed in a sport? (As in, you know, decades?) If so, here’s a chance to shake off those accumulated cobwebs via the Oregon Senior Games in Corvallis, home to an alluring, vibrant downtown, lush city parks, uncrowded biking trails and Oregon State University.
The Games are Olympic-style competitions for athletes 50 and older. They’re offered in partnership with the National Senior Games Association, the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. Locals, those from outside the state and athletes from other countries all come to vie for medals.
This summer, the primary Games will be held two weekends: August 10-13 and August 17-20. The first weekend includes archery, bowling, golf, pickleball, power walk, race walk, track and field events, table tennis and racquetball. Closing weekend brings disc golf, softball, swimming and tennis.
Still have a surfeit of energy? September 9 and 10, folks still craving competitions will find a 5K road race, cycling time trials and a triathlon. (It’s okay to be in multiple events but check for possible scheduling conflicts.)
If diving into competition doesn’t appeal but you’d still like to be a part of things, you can make your mark at the Games, as volunteers — indispensable and much-appreciated — are always needed for various tasks such as setup, coordinating people and monitoring events.
Your own registration — as participant or volunteer — rewards you with a cornucopia of goodies: a swag bag, snacks, water and the coolest souvenir of all — an Oregon Senior Games T-shirt to commemorate the experience
“Visit Corvallis is excited to contribute to the promotion of healthy, active aging by bringing the Games to our city,” Morgan says, her enthusiasm as usual dialed to ten. And why not? She knows firsthand the fun to be had at these exciting events!
If you’re ready to commit as either a competitor or volunteer, you can learn more or sign up at OregonSeniorGames.com, or contact Games coordinator Morgan Baker at 541-231-0297 or morgan@visitcorvallis.com.
Randal C. Hill, fulfilling a dream of living on the Oregon coast, writes about old rock ‘n’ roll hits and little-known ’60s trivia.