Sign up for state Olympics at Summit's Senior Day
Athletes interested in participating in the Montana Senior Olympics Summer Games may register on Wednesday during Senior Day at The Summit, the official headquarters of the games.
This year’s senior Olympics take place June 10-13 at various locations in the valley.
“This is the last year they’re in Kalispell,” said Sue Hoag, a Summit fitness trainer.
Senior Day provides a convenient time to sign up for Olympic competition. Scheduled on the first Wednesday of every month, Senior Day allows nonmembers 65 and over to participate in activities (except tennis) for just $1, enjoy an open house and learn about special classes.
From 10 to 11 a.m. in Studio B, a Summit fitness expert teaches a different class each month. A social hour takes place from 11 a.m. to noon in the deli area.
Hoag plans to offer registration for the Senior Olympics from 10 a.m. to noon. Seniors 50 and over qualify for a wide range of games.
“People can come into The Summit and pick up a registration packet anytime in May,” she said. “The registration deadline is May 29.”
The games came to the Flathead Valley last year for the first time in 17 years. According to tradition, senior Olympics remain in one location for two years.
This summer marks the 25th annual Montana Senior Olympics Summer Games. Older athletes have a choice of competing in archery, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, racewalk, racquetball, road race, swimming, table tennis, tennis and track and field.
New this year, Flathead County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a softball tournament. The packet includes a team sign up form with options to play in the Senior Olympics, Senior Open or both, for a team fee of $300.
Athletes compete in age-appropriate groups divided into five-year increments beginning at age 50, no upper age limit. Medals are awarded for first, second and third places in each age group.
Medalists at the Montana Senior Olympic Summer Games qualify for the 2011 National Senior Games in Houston, Texas. More than 10,000 people travel from around the country to compete in the national games.
The Kalispell games include several special events. On Thursday, June 10, Olympics participants may compete in a 5K road race(walking allowed) at 5 p.m. on Rails to Trails and a buffet ($7) at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagles in Kalispell. Opening ceremonies and a banquet ($14.50) take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 11, at the Eagles.
Applications for the Kalispell games must be postmarked no later than May 29. Early registration submitted before May 25 is $10 and late registration May 26-29 is $20.
Seniors 85 or older may register for free but must pay the $4 fee for each event entered with additional fees for some events. Bowlers pay $6.75 per game at Pick’s Bowling Center in Bigfork and golfers pay $43 for greens fees and a cart to Village Greens Golf Course.
Athletes must register in advance; there is no registration during the games. For more information, contact summer games director Ron Tjaden of Rollins at blewboy@bigsky.net or visit www.montanaseniorolympics.org
Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com