Gearing up for the Senior Games

Annual Nevada event to greet local, international field in 29 sporting categories

Next month will mark the 26th year of the Nevada Senior Olympics, when the games get under way around the Las Vegas Valley, Sept. 23 through Oct. 15.

Opening Ceremonies will take place one month before the first event, on Aug. 26, at the Cambridge Community Center, 3930 Cambridge St.

Competition is open to non-Nevadans as well as international athletes 50 years old and over in 29 categories, including archery, basketball, cycling, handball, golf, pistol shooting, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting and more.

New this year, the Nevada Senior Games announced a pilot program targeted to those athletes 45 to 50 years old. According to Reg Rod, executive director of the Nevada Senior Games, "This is a group that is very health-oriented that doesn't find a lot of activities to get involved in."

The program will invite sportsmen and women to compete in four categories -- cycling, track and field, golf and swimming. Depending on attendance, the program may return in 2007 and could be added to the Games' permanent schedule.

The deadline to register for each competition is seven days prior to the event, and there is no limit to how many events a participate may compete in.

A registration fee of $20 is required for all those set to compete, with each event costing an additional $3 to $6, depending on the sport. Golf fees run $3 for the skills competition; $45 for 18 holes; and $90 for 36 holes. All golf events are scheduled to take place at Silverstone Golf Club.

For a detailed list of sporting events, fees, applications, etc., log onto www.nevadaseniorolympics.com. For general information, contact the Nevada Senior Games office at 242-1590.