MERCER COUNTY Senior citizens prepare for 8th annual games

There will be competition in seven events around the county.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
MERCER, Pa. -- Between 250 and 300 senior citizens from across Mercer County are gearing up for the eighth annual Mercer County Senior games that begin Friday.
The series of athletic events, sponsored by Mercer County Area Agency on Aging Inc. and its PrimeTime Health program, are a social and recreational, yet competitive, experience designed to promote better health and fitness for Mercer County men and women 55 and older.
Any Mercer County resident fitting that age requirement can participate. Nonresidents who are members of a sponsor or co-sponsor or contributing senior group are also welcome to take part.
PrimeTime Health focuses on health issues affecting older Pennsylvanians.
Ex-Steeler to take part
Former Pittsburgh Steeler John Kolb will have a role in this year's games, running both the track and field and basketball competitions, said Tom Woerz, Senior Games coordinator.
Public participation has grown in recent years as the games drew only about 140 participants in 1999.
Woerz said some people in their 90s compete.
The games, featuring seven specific competitions, are spread over six days. They will be held at various locations around the county.
Competition will be judged in six age groupings and gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event.
A donation of $10 ($20 if participating in the golf competition) is suggested. All participants will receive a commemorative shirt and lunch on the day of their event.
Preregistration is requested although people can sign up for specific events at each of the game venues, Woerz said.
Information packets and registration forms are available at the Shenango Valley Center for Aging and Geriatric Health, 220 N. Buhl Farm Drive, Hermitage; Greenville Senior Community Center, 339 E. Jamestown Road, Greenville; Grove City Senior Center, 301 Broad St., Grove City; the McQuiston Center, 29 Railroad St., Sandy Lake; and the Area Agency on Aging office, 133 N. Pitt St., Mercer.