Naperville's Senior Games returns for 2nd year

The Naperville Senior Games returns for its second year, following a successful debut in 2015 with 88 participants.

Events in the 2016 games are open to all interested participants 50 and older and range from bags to trapshooting.

"We are pleased to be able to add bags and horseshoes as new events for the 2016 games," program manager Lorraine Ouellette said. "Other events include traditional sports such as golf, tennis, swimming and softball, along with favorite activities such as ceramic arts and pinochle, which tap into different skill sets."

The 2016 Naperville Senior Games begins Wednesday, May 25, with two events: golf and ceramics. The men's and women's golf competitions take place at 7 a.m. at Springbrook Golf Course. Ceramic arts participants will mold their pottery pieces during one of two workshops May 25 and Wednesday, June 1, then will return Sunday, June 12, or Thursday, June 16, for glazing.

The other events in the games, including bags, billiards, horseshoes, ping-pong, pinochle, softball, swimming, tennis and trapshooting, occur in mid-to-late June, with an awards luncheon Friday, June 24.

The idea to begin a series of competitive events for adults older than 50 came from learning about other senior games offered by area park districts, including Chicago Park District.

Although not officially a part of the National Senior Games, the Naperville Games shares a vision similar to the one stated on the National Senior Games Association's website, which is "to promote healthy lifestyles for adults through education, fitness and sport."

Online registration for the Naperville Senior Games is now open for all events. Fees vary per event. Medals will be awarded in each category for first, second and third place.

Although there is no cost to attend the Awards Luncheon, registration is required and is limited to participants in the games, up to 140 total. For more detailed descriptions of each event, visit www.napervilleparks.org/seniorgames.