For the first time in its 40-plus-year existence, the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will have more than 1,000 competitors when the two-week series kicks off Sept. 14.
“It has been our goal for some time to reach this record-breaking number, which also marks a 15-percent increase over last year,” notes Riley Geary, who chairs the organizing committee.
“It is notable that half of the registrants are women, showcasing the inclusive and growing interest among seniors in maintaining an active lifestyle,” Geary said.
Opening ceremonies will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. at Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington. The event will include participation by the Alexandria City High School JROTC Color Guard, the National Anthem sung by the Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus and the Senior Olympics torch torch carried by Geary.
Indoor-track events will immediately follow the ceremony, with other events running through Sept. 29 at 28 different venues across the region.
New to the lineup this year are the 100-yard individual swimming medley and a Sudoku Pentathlon. The full list of events is on the website at www.nvso.us, which also will post the results of competition.
The growing popularity of the annual event has attracted attention from organizations dedicated to supporting the well-being of seniors, organizers said. The number of Gold-level patrons has increased nearly 45 percent from last year.
Northern Virginia Senior Olympics sponsoring jurisdictions are the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church.
