Heart-of-Lakes Senior Games are this weekend

By ARIY-EL BOYNTON, Sports Editor


This weekend, local fields and gyms will feature more than 100 adults taking part in activities from basketball to bridge. Friday and Saturday will be the annual Heart-of-the Lakes Senior Games. Adults age 50 and older are eligible to compete. Event organizer Al Weisbecker said that he expects around 135 people, with 50 participants in softball alone.

Weisbecker and Bernie Schuurmans, along with the Madison Parks and Recreation Department, are in charge of the 10th annual Senior Games.

Schuurmans said that aside from local competitors, athletes will compete from all over the region.

"We draw from several towns and have people from far away, too," he said.

Softball (which has four teams registered), bowling and golf are the only three events that require an entry fee of more than $1. All others, including bean bag toss, shuffleboard, bridge and swimming, cost $1 to compete. Any event after the fifth entry will be free.

"We have people who only sign up for one or two events, and some will compete in 15 things or more. Those athletes really get their $5 worth," said Schuurmans.

"We encourage all competitors to try any sport they are interested in. Some people try a new event and love it," he said

Weisbecker said that he would like people to compete against others and against themselves.

"It's nice to get in the games and compete against yourself," he said. "The events are set up to get people off the couch. A bad day out there is better than a good day on the couch."

On Saturday, track & field action will start at 8 a.m.

The meet will end just in time for the annual picnic at The Community Center at noon.

"The picnic is a great time to catch up and have fellowship with old and new friends," said Schuurmans.

Weisbecker added, "It's great seeing new faces and a ton of people with smiles on their faces. It's amazing to see 90-year-olds compete."

The games end with table tennis, basketball, bowling and softball.

"We are hoping for great weather and hope everyone has the most fun possible," said Schuurmans.

Individuals may register for events at their particular location; no pre-registration is necessary.

Weisbecker invites spectators to attend.

FRIDAY

Golf: 8:30 a.m. at Lakes Golf Course. Green fee payment required.

Shuffleboard: 5-7 p.m. at The Community Center.

Bean Bag Toss: 5-7 p.m. at The Community Center.

Swimming: 6-7 p.m. at The Community Center. Events include 25-, 50- and 100-yard freestyle, 50- and 100-yard backstroke, 50- and 100-yard breaststroke.

Horseshoes: 6-9 p.m. at Westside Park. Individuals should bring their own shoes.

Bridge: 7 p.m. at The Community Center.

Cycling: 7 p.m. 5K time trial; 7:30 p.m. 10K time trial, both at Baughman-Belatti Park.

SATURDAY

Track & Field: 8 a.m. Field events start at Trojan Field and include high jump, standing and running long jump, triple jump, softball throw and pole vault; 10 a.m.: Running events start at Trojan Field.

Picnic: 12 noon at The Community Center.

Table Tennis: 1 p.m. at The Community Center.

Basketball: 1 p.m. Free-throw contest and shot shooting at The Community Center; 2 p.m. 3-on-3 Tournament.

Bowling: 3 p.m. Ssingles, double and mixed doubles at Cherry Lanes.

Softball: 5 p.m. at Thue Softball Complex.

©Madison Daily Leader 2010