Illinois' Senior Olympic —
an event where every "body" wins

Friendship dominates the program at this annual statewide competition.

By Annette Fuchs

More than 500 participants are expected to compete in Illinois' 10th annual statewide Senior Olympic games Sept. 26-28 in Springfield.

The agenda

Approximately 40 events are offered for both men and women age 55 or older. These include golf, bike races, badminton, tennis, swimming, track and field, shuffleboard, rope skipping, trapshooting, horseshoes, bowling, racquetball, casting, table tennis, mini-golf, a 10K run, handball, basketball free throw and archery.

Qualifying participants in the Illinois games will be eligible to compete in the first national Senior Olympic competition June 27 through July 2, 1987, in St. Louis, MO.

Participants come from throughout the State to compete for gold, silver and bronze in the Illinois' Senior Olympic. However, one thing they don't compete for is friendship. The senior competitors welcome new participants with a smile and a pat on the back for a job well done.

In addition to Illinois residents, past Senior Olympians have come from Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Iowa, Oregon and Nebraska. Many volunteers for the event, as well as the competitors, return yearly.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 12 September/October 1986

No matter what your age, sex, race or creed, or whether you're a participant or volunteer, we are one big, happy family.

Background

The statewide Senior Olympic games are sponsored by the Springfield Recreation Department and the Senior Olympic Advisory Committee in cooperation with the Senior Center, Springfield Park District and Springfield YMCA. The idea for the Illinois games was based on similar competition in Florida and brought to the attention of the Recreation Department by Alfred Kamm in 1976.

Ben Green coordinated the first Illinois Senior Olympic the following year for the department.

In 1980, at the suggestion of the Governor's Council on Health and Physical Fitness, Illinois was divided into six areas. These divisions became known as the regional Senior Olympic games. Regionals are now held in DeKalb, Charleston, Macomb, East Peoria, Edwardsville and Carbondale.

In addition, various other area Olympic games are held. The cities of Joliet, Orland Park, Galesburg and Mount Vernon are among the hosts for the local games.

Additional information about the State competition is available from the Springfield Recreation Department, 1415 N. Grand Ave. East, Springfield, IL 62702. Phone (217) 789-2284.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Annette Fuchs is a program supervisor for the Springfield Recreation Department. She is also chairman of events and rules for the Illinois Senior Olympic games.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 13 September/October 1986