Why I Love the Virginia Senior Games

by LaTanya K. Turner

Recreation Manager

Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation

2016 VRPS Vice President

…And I do, love the Virginia Senior Games

I started volunteering for the Virginia Senior Games back in 2006. Virginia Beach was hosting the games and I helped with the officiating of the horseshoe tournament. While I was there I also had the opportunity to check out some of the basketball games. At the time, I was surprised at the athleticism displayed and delighted by the enthusiasm of the participants. Up to that point most of my recreation experiences involved children or teens, I hadn’t experienced the senior population much.

Fast forward a few years and I was working with seniors, and we had our own local Senior Games! As a Parks and Rec professional and a track coach I was so excited to put two things I love together for the good of the citizens I was serving. Seniors came from all over the area to compete, have lunch and share a laugh. They walked, ran, threw the shot put, discus, and javelin and they had a grand time doing it. Some were there just for our games and some were there to practice for the “big dance”- the Virginia Senior Games. As you know, this is not a shy retiring group of folks, and the “retiring” part only refers to where they may be in this stage of their life! They are fierce competitors and some are more determined than ANY youth I’ve ever seen compete.

When the Games came to Newport News I knew it was my chance to help out again as it was in my area. I met people from all over Virginia - they came from near and far, and I enjoyed hearing of their journey to the Games and what led them to participate. As I was checking in the runners for the 50m dash, I spoke to a lady 94 years young; she said she had been competing for some time and she liked to tell people she was competing so she could see the look on their faces! The competitors range in age from 50 to infinity and are a very diverse population.

Last year, in 2015, I had the opportunity to be the “Voice of the Senior Games” …well ok, of the Track and Field portion… (self-proclaimed) and I had a blast! The spirit of competition, the pushing beyond boundaries, the teaming up with friends, the families that come to cheer them on, and the Athletes Party! (so much fun it could be its own post J), make this one of the highlights of the year, and definitely a highlight for me. If you are in the area, come on out, commit to volunteer or sign up (2020 billiards here I come!). You really don’t know what you are missing!

Virginia Senior Games: 2014 Results, 2015 Preparation

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Virginia Senior Games is presented by the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS).  A private, non-profit professional organization, VRPS was founded in 1953 with the purpose of uniting all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

SAVE THE DATES! 2015 VSG Games May 13-16, 2015 Newport News, VA Athlete's Bulletin Board Become a Friend FAQ's Past Results Sponsor Volunteer  Post your photos and your press -  on theVSG Facebook page   Additional photos are available on the Newport News Active Lifestyles page VRPS Quick Links         www.virginiaseniorgames.org www.vrps.com www.nsga.com   Thanks to our 2014 Venue Sponsors   2014 Virginia Senior Games Results 2014 results are availableonline 2014 Results Congratulations to all 2014 participants. Online results are available HERE. Online results book is available HERE. Check your name for 2015 National Senior Games qualification! 2014 Virginia results have been reported to National Senior Games. Photos are available on the VSG Facebook pageHERE. More photos are available on the Newport News Active Lifestyles page HERE. New for 2015 Registration will be available early 2015. In order to more efficiently serve you, volunteers, hosts, and event staff, registration will be online only. New festivities at the Athlete's Wellness Fair and Party will include an open fun walk and mini-golf.   Save the Dates!   2015 Friday 7/3 - Thurs 7/16 Bloomington / Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota Interested in past results?  Click HERE.  What's YOUR story?    Share your "press with us: Post to the VSG Facebook page. Contact us via email. Virginia Senior Games - a Little History Seniors preparing for Virginia Senior Games pickleball competition in Newport News ~ Hampton Roads Daily Press, April 7, 2014   Richard Ernst, Springfield Dr. Samuel Morton, Newport News Thanks to our 2014 GOLD MEDAL Sponsors!

Virginia Senior Games  6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109  Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111  (804) 730-9447   www.virginiaseniorgames.org

Virginia Senior Games - a Little History ...

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Virginians, like the rest of America, are riding the age wave:

• Roughly 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65 today, and this will continue every day through 2030 (Pew Research Center).
• An American turns 50 every 7 seconds – that’s more than 12,500 people every day (US Census).
• The senior age group is now, for the first time, the largest in terms of size and percent of the population in the U.S. By 2015, those aged 50 and older will represent 45 percent of the U.S. population (AARP).

The Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) is a private, non-profit professional organization, founded in 1953. Its purpose is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia. VRPS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Park Association.

In keeping with its mission to promote parks and recreation to the benefit of Virginians, VRPS produces the Virginia Senior Games (VSG), an annual athletic event offering competition in over 21 sports over the course of 4 days for participants aged 50 and older. The first Virginia Senior Games were held in 1978 in Richmond and presented contests in 14 sports. The Games move around the state and are typically hosted in the same locality for four years before moving on. Athletes today can compete in upwards of 21 sports, ranging from Archery to Volleyball and most everything in between. Recent, popular additions include Pickleball, Cycling, and Disc Golf.

The Virginia Senior Games is a qualifying competition for the National Senior Games, which take place every other year. VSG is also an open event, so that no scores or times are required for entry. Athletes can compete in multiple sports, and out-of-state sportspersons are welcome. Competition adheres to National Senior Games rules, and medals are awarded in each age category (5-year increments). Additionally, athletes and their guests are treated to an annual Athletes’ Party and Wellness Fair, based on a new festive theme each year and offering activities, musical entertainment, and snacks, all in keeping with a showcase for services and resources for healthy lifestyles in Virginia.

Clearly, the benefits to VSG athletes are monumental – the physical demands of competition encourage participants to train year-round, in many cases. This preparation also lends itself both to greater daily structure and socializing. And, needless to say, winning, losing, and teamwork are their own reward. However, one might wonder if the true winners are the volunteers and spectators.

• To witness a 101-year-young swimmer complete in both 50m and 100m freestyle swimming races, and thereby set World Records, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
• To watch a 77-year-young Vietnam War veteran tossing horseshoes and bowling balls from his wheelchair, where he has sat since 1963 as the only survivor of his combat helicopter flight, is a privilege.
• To meet a 50-something-year-young road racer who competes wearing a fluffy pink tutu is a lesson in what matters.

For some, especially the women, VSG is the first time in their lives that they have the opportunity to learn and experience the value of sport competition. Every athlete has a story – and it begins back home, during the course of their training and their decision to compete in the Virginia Senior Games. For example, that 101-year old swimmer drove herself to the pool every morning at 5am to train. That “horseshoer” was an advocate for ADA and spent most of his life working with autistic individuals. The road racer … well she’s simply a knockout ….

Virginia Senior Games fun facts:

• Competition is offered in: Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Billiards, Bowling, Canasta, Cycling, Disc Golf, Golf, Horseshoes, Mini Golf, Pickleball, Pinochle, Racquetball, Road Race, Shuffleboard, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball.
• Athletes must be 50 on or before December 31 of the competition year in order to participate.
• Team competition is offered in both Basketball and Volleyball.
• Partners and teams compete in the age group of the youngest participant.
• Registration for the games begins at the beginning of the year, and the games take place mid-May.
• Newport News Parks, Recreation and Tourism will be hosting the 2015 games for a third consecutive year.
• To learn more about Virginia Senior Games, visit www.virginiaseniorgames.org
• To enjoy photos and more, visit www.facebook.com/Virginia.Senior.Games

In memory of Samuel “Doc” Morton (September 20, 1937 – July 8, 2014) and all the others who will not return to the Games in 2015. Thank you for your years of exemplary athletic dedication and competition.

Excitement in Newport News this Week!

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Virginia Senior Games is presented by the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS).  A private, non-profit professional organization, VRPS was founded in 1953 with the purpose of uniting all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Post your photos and your press -  on the VSG Facebook page   VRPS Quick Links         www.virginiaseniorgames.org www.vrps.com www.nsga.com   Thanks to our 2014 Venue Sponsors            Visit the NEWPORT NEWS VSG SITE for information on: Athlete's Party and Bon Secours Wellness Fair Volunteering Sponsorship Schedule Chart and Check-in Sport-Specific Details, Rules, and Chair Contact Tourism and Hotels The May 14-17, 2014 Virginia Senior Games are qualifying events for 2015 National Senior Games.  What's YOUR story?   Share your "press with us: Post to the VSG Facebook page. Contact us via email.   Save the Dates!   2015 Friday 7/3 - Thurs 7/16 Bloomington / Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota Interested in past results?  Click HERE. This year, 2014, is a qualifying competition year for the 2015 National Senior Games! Thanks in advance to our terrific 2014 Virginia Senior Games volunteers!   Be sure to thank them in person! Billiards Location Change Breakaway Billiards is the new location for Virginia Senior Games competition on Thursday, May 15 at 9:30am Follow us on Facebook for Real-Time Virginia Senior Games Updates!     There are MANY of you and FEW of us!   Thanks for your patience as we processed your registrations! > We did our best to pair athletes in partner events who had none or "lost" their partners; thanks to those athletes who "stepped up" to partner and thereby allow other athletes to participate in the fun! > Bring your registration books with you to the games to have handy access to schedules, contact information, and the Newport News Virginia Senior Games venue map.  Don't Miss the PARTY   Thursday, May 15 5-8pm City Center at Oyster Point   "All-Around Virginia" experience on the Fountain Plaza:  celebrate everything you love and remember about Virginia!   * Games & Prizes * Music & Dancing * Exhibits * Meet Athletes from Across Virginia * Bon Secours Virginia Health Information & Screenings * Free Admission for Athletes & their Guests   Rain Site:  Brittingham-Midtown Community Center Thanks to our 2014 GOLD MEDAL Sponsors!

Virginia Senior Games  6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109  Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111  (804) 730-9447   www.virginiaseniorgames.org