Senior athletes throughout the area will have the opportunity to show off their agility and competitive prowess when the annual Golden Age Games get under way for competition starting November 8, 2014. The regional event, sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation, is a qualifying event for the National Florida Senior Games later this year.

The Senior Games provide residents an opportunity to kick off the rust and show their friends – and themselves – what they can still do when athletic competition gets the juices flowing. Participants can take part in more than 35 different activities, ranging from individual events like the 5K run/walk to team sports such as basketball. The Senior Games are open to anyone 50 years of age or older who want to stay active and competitive.

“The Senior Games are a golden opportunity for Floridians to show that even though their reflexes may have slowed down a bit, the competitive fires still burn bright,” said John Webb, Florida Sports Foundation President. “We are proud that the Senior Games continue to grow and provide fun, fellowship, fitness and competition for Florida’s fastest growing age group.”

The 2014 Golden Age Games will be held at numerous venues around the City of Sanford. The competition begins November 8 with the Opening Ceremonies starting on Saturday morning.

The top five athletes in each age group will have the opportunity to compete in the Florida Senior Games state championships, which will be held this December in Lee County. At the same time, top Florida qualifiers will be able to participate in the National Senior Games against competitors from across the country and other nations.

More information about competing at the local, state and national levels or starting new local Senior Games is available at www.flasports.com or by contacting the Florida Sports Foundation at 1-866-FLGAMES (1-866-354-2637).