NOVA Senior Olympics Celebrates 30 Years

The 2012 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, set for Sept. 15-26, marks a milestone for the annual games—the 30^th anniversary.

For the Ashburn community there's been at least one regular face to cheer on during the senior Olympics—resident Bernhard G. Stamm [check back for a profile on Stamm]. Stamm's the man pictured on the NVSO website. The pictures are quite remarkable because his form has not changed a bit over the years.

Registration is now open for eligible participants—anyone who will be 50 by Dec. 30, 2012 and lives in one of the following jurisdictions: the Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church or Fairfax, or the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun or Prince William. The deadline to register is Sept. 1. Register online, at senior centers, community centers and senior residences, or by calling 703-228-4721.

The list of more than 40 events ranges from the high jump and javelin throw to yo-yo and Wii bowling. Most events are divided into age categories and some by gender. Winners receive gold, silver and bronze medals after each event.

Rules can be found here the following events:

• badminton
• volleyball
• cycling
• track and field
• swimming
• diving
• tennis
• table tennis
• golf
• miniature golf
• ten pin bowling
• Wii bowling
• pickleball
• bocce
• racquetball
• scrabble
• cribbage
• duplicate bridge
• bunco
• horseshoes
• men’s 3-on-3 basketball
• men’s basketball free throw
• women’s basketball free throw
• team line dancing
• yo-yo tricks
• eight ball pool
• Frisbee throw
• softball hit and throw
• football throw
• Mexican Train dominos 

A $12 fee covers multiple events, but there are additional facility fees for golf and bowling. Gold Patrons this year include Greenspring Retirement Community, Goodwin House Incorporated, Safeway, The Hermitage of Northern Virginia,  Humana, , Heatherwood Retirement Community, Ashton Physical Therapy Center, Falcons Landing, M. Quinn Designs/Pack ‘n Move, The Virginian, Westminster at Lake Ridge and Sommerset Retirement Community.