The Westmoreland County Senior Games return to action this week, following a two-year pandemic hiatus. County parks coordinator Chris Panichella couldn’t be happier.
“This has been a big part of Westmoreland County events, and we got a lot of calls last year asking if we could find some way to hold them,” Panichella said.
Games kick off Tuesday and run through May 13, when an awards ceremony will be held to present gold, silver and bronze medals.
Participants can choose from more than 30 events, which are held at Mammoth Park and other locations. Sports and activities include bicycling, archery, basketball, swimming, bowling, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, running and more.
“I’ve been to two Games as a volunteer in another position, and the water sports, like canoeing and pedal-boating, are the most fun,” Panichella said. “It’s great to see people working together, or sometimes, working not to go in a big circle.”
Slogan of the Games is “Bring a Friend for Fun and Fitness.” The Games, which first started in 1983, are open to county residents age 50 and older. Registration is $10 and includes a shirt and lunch. On-site registration is $12, though some events require participants to register a week in advance.
“There’s about eight or 10 of us from the parks staff and volunteers who do all the coordinating and scoring, and we get upwards of 300 participants each year,” Panichella said.
The Games also recognize a Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.
Panichella said senior athletes are excited to be getting back onto the field.
“There are a lot of long-lasting relationships that have been in place for a while,” he said. “A lot of our volunteers know all the seniors, and the seniors know all of them. It’s incredible to see.”
Registration applications are available online at Co.Westmoreland.PA.us/parks.
