ON Senior Games to be held June 3-July 6, 2023

It is almost our favorite time of year…time for Senior Games!!! The coordinators, volunteers and staff have been preparing for the 44th Senior Games since last July. We have been discussing what worked, what didn’t and how we can make this year even better! For example, we have added Pinochle and Spades back to the list of events. Senior Games is a great way to keep your brain or your body active. We have events that will challenge you mentally and physically. There is an event for everyone!

One of the best parts about Senior Games is that everyone can afford it. The entry fee is only $1 per event until June 2nd. After that, the fee will be $2 per event. If a person registers for 6 or more events, they will get a Senior Games T-shirt for free! Any participant of Senior Games is invited to attend the Opening Ceremony on June 5th at 8:30 a.m. At this event, we provide a free continental breakfast! There is also an official Proclamation, Torch Lighting Ceremony and a friendly game against the parks Director and overall winners from 2022. A Health and Wellness Fair will also take place at the Community Center during the Opening Ceremony from 8:30-11:30 a.m. At the fair you can meet sponsors and speak with different vendors about a variety of topics. There will also be a Vaccination Clinic from 2:00-5:00 p.m. where free vaccines will be available for adults 60+ and people with disabilities of any age.

There are over 40 different mentally and/or physically challenging events to test your talents and skills in Senior Games. We have events that do not require any athletic ability or talent whatsoever. All you need is a brain and competitive spirit! We have a variety of events from Paper Airplane Flying, Timed Jigsaw Puzzle and Checkers to Axe Throwing, Cornhole and Pickleball. If you don’t know how to play Pickleball, come to the Intergenerational Pickleball Intro where kids, adults and older adults can learn how to play from members of the Fort Wayne Pickleball Club. That will be on Saturday, May 20th at 10:00 a.m. at Lions Park.

The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center’s goal is to promote the benefits of staying active physically and mentally, and to encourage adults over the age of 50 to adapt a healthy lifestyle. That is what Senior Games is all about! That and learning a new game, creating friendships, having fun and of course winning! For a complete list and schedule of events, as well as a registration form, visit www.fortwayneparks.org, come to the Community Center at 233 West Main St. or call (260) 427-6460 to have a brochure mailed to you. Over 450 people participated in 2022. Help us get to our goal this year of over 500 participants. We love seeing friends from previous years but we can’t wait to make new ones!