University News
Western Illinois Senior Olympics Seeking Competitors Ages 50 and Older
March 9, 2012
MACOMB, IL – Over 50 and interested in fun and friendly athletic competition? If so, the Western Illinois Senior Olympics may be for you! According to Mike Lukkarinen, coordinator of the Western Illinois Senior Olympics and assistant professor in the Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, the organization is seeking individuals in the region ages 50 and older who are interested in competing in the Western Illinois Senior Olympics, slated for Friday-Saturday, April 27-28 in Macomb.
Lukkarinen said the Western Illinois Senior Olympics is an activity composed of nine events — including golf (9 or 18 holes); bowling; track and field contests; bicycling; swimming; free throw shooting; horseshoes; miniature golf; and disc golf — that focus on fun, friendship and friendly competition. He noted that individuals can enter to compete in as many events as they like, and he said that, at the conclusion of the first day of the Western Illinois Senior Olympics 2012 (April 27), there is a social event, during which participants can meet each other on a more informal basis.
"Our goals convey the spirit of our games," Lukkarinen said. "They include providing participants with the opportunity to test their skills in a competitive (yet friendly) arena that will recognize them for their preparation and desire to lead a healthy lifestyle; encourage participants to meet new people who have similar goals and interests in hopes of expanding their network of friends; and showcase the participants' talents before an audience of fellow competitors, friends and volunteers, who will hopefully gain an appreciation for their commitments to lifelong activity and fitness."
The entry fee to participate is $5 per person for one event, or $9 per person for two or more events.
For more information and/or to download the entry form, visit www.wiu.edu/coehs/kinesiology/seniorolympics/. For more information, contact Lukkarinen at (309) 298-1967 or MD-Lukkarinen@wiu.edu or Jim Miner at (309) 833-4050 or JB-Miner@wiu.edu.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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