Senior Olympics

by Jim Listen

Jim Liston is the executive director of the Illinois Governor's Council on Health & Fitness. Jim has worked cooperatively with various park and recreation personnel in the planning of the Abe's Amble 10K Race and Illinois Senior Olympics. Currently Jim serves as publicity chairman for the Senior Olympics.

Senior Olympics IV, a statewide athletic opportunity for anyone 55 years and older, will be held the Weekend of September 26-28, and again be hosted by the Springfield Recreation Department and its co-sponsor, the Illinois Governor's Council on Health & Fitness, and Senior Olympics Inc. This Olympic also marks the first year of full affiliation with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

The purpose of Senior Olympics is to encourage year round fitness and exercise among senior citizens. It is hoped that by highlighting the physical abilities of older people through athletic competition that some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes of "grandparents" may be removed.

The original idea for Senior Olympics was brought back to Illinois by Alfred Kamm, Ph.D. who had participated in a similar program held in Sanford, Florida. As a result of Dr. Kamm's efforts, the Springfield Recreation Department hosted the 1st Senior Olympics in 1977. The program has grown from 125 entries to nearly 300 with over 500 participants expected for the 1980 Olympics.

The program, which spans a full three days, offers 41 different events ranging from a 10k race to shuffleboard (see table of events). All events are offered in both men and women divisions and five-year-age splits are used for all competition (55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, etc.) Each event has an experienced chairperson who can select assistants, if necessary. Official rules are used for all events. A $2.00 fee covers all costs per entry other than reduced racquetball and handball courts, bowling, and greens fees.

First, second, and third place finalists in each age division and each event receive medals. Athletes also accumulate points toward overall recognition as outstanding participant.

The health and safety of all participants is of utmost concern to meet officials. Trained medical personnel are assigned to all "Olympic" category events. Event scheduling is monitored to ensure a minimum of 30 minutes rest between events and a maximum of three swimming events and three track events are allowed per entrant. Entry forms emphasize the need for top physical conditioning in order to be a competitor and the need to inform the individual's personal physician about the intent to participate. Dr. Thomas Cureton, 78 years old, Senior Olympiad and consultant to both the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the Illinois Governor's Council on Health and Fitness has developed training tips for 1980 contestants.

Along with the athletic competition several social activities are included for both the contestant and his/her non-participating spouse. A hospitality hour is offered during Thursday evening's registration to allow the athletes an opportunity to meet prior to the events. Also included during the weekend is a dance and talent show. Every effort is made to familiarize guests to the Springfield area and its many historical attractions.

Local Park and Recreation departments are encouraged to send area residents to the state meet. In fact, several departments are planning "mini Olympics" or senior "fun/fitness" days this summer.

Six Miles—Six Decades

Illinois Parks and Recreation 36 July/August, 1980

Illinois Parks and Recreation 37 July/August, 1980