BARTOW - Requests are now being taken for books that include the details and entry forms for the 16 Annual Polk Senior Games, scheduled for Feb. 23 through March 8.
The games offer a two-week series of 82 athletic and recreational Olympic-style events. They attract nearly 2,500 men and women, age 50 and older, with a variety of skills - the serious competitor, the fun at heart, the seasoned athlete, the late bloomer and the physically challenged.
Organizers say the purpose of the games is to promote friendly competition, fellowship, health and wellness, an active lifestyle, and volunteerism.
Competition, held at various locations throughout Polk County, ranges from badminton to basketball 3-on-3, from checkers to cycling and from table tennis to track and field events. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each event and age division.
Registration begins the first week of January. The individual entry fee is $8 for the first event and $3 for each additional event up to a maximum of $29. Fees for team sports are $125 for softball and $50 for Basketball 3-on-3. There is also a $25 facility fee for 18-hole golf, a $3 facility fee per event for bowling, and a $5 range fee for skeet and trap shooting.
Everyone receives a specially designed Polk Senior Games T-shirt.
A free closing celebration for participants, family members and friends will be held at The Lakeland Center.
The Polk Senior Games are sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation to qualify participants for advancement to the annual Florida State Senior Games Championship, which leads to the National Senior games.
To request an entry or for details, contact Deena Wilbur, the executive director for the Polk Senior Games, by mail at 515 E Boulevard St., Bartow, FL 33880; by phone at 863-533-0055; by e-mail at polkseniorgames@verizon.net; or through the Internet at www.polkseniorgames.org.
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