Ohio Senior Olympics begin here July 29

YOUNGSTOWN -- The 2005 Ohio Senior Olympics will be in the area from July 29 through Aug. 8.
The amateur athletic competition is open to men and women ages 50 and older.
The Senior Olympics of Northeast Ohio, presented by District XI Area Agency on Aging, were selected to host the games in 2005 and 2006. The games were last held in this area in 1995 and 1996.
"Hosting the state games is a two-year commitment," according to Joe Rossi, coordinator of the state games.
"This year we expect 400-500 people from around the state to compete in the 17 sports that are a part of the state games competition menu."
In 2006, more than 1,000 athletes from around Ohio and other states will compete in the state games, with the hope of qualifying for the National Senior Olympics, which will be in Louisville, Ky., in 2007.