ODU Will Be Host Site for Norfolk Senior Olympics

The city of Norfolk's Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space (RPOS) and Old Dominion will partner to host the 31st Annual Norfolk Senior Olympics May 12-15.

Previously open to Norfolk residents only, this year's Senior Olympics is open to all Hampton Roads seniors, age 50 and older. The four-day competition and celebration, to be held on the ODU campus, will include:

• Thirty sporting competitions, such as swimming, bowling, softball hit and throw, free throw competition, 1-mile run/walk, volleyball, card games and more.
• Resource fair of senior-serving businesses and organizations.
• A special opening ceremony and parade of athletes.
• A keynote address by Chesapeake native and former NFL player Charles "Charlie" Stukes. Stukes was drafted as a defensive back in the fourth round of the 1967 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts. He started for the Colts during Super Bowl V in 1971, when they defeated the Dallas Cowboys.

"ODU graciously entered into a five-year agreement to host the Norfolk Senior Olympics," said Maria Barner, bureau manager of Recreation & Leisure Activities with Norfolk RPOS. "Their state-of-the-art recreation center and the campus' numerous amenities allowed us to maximize the sporting events we can offer in a single location. We are very excited about this new partnership, this year's event and the potential to utilize ODU's ever-expanding campus to enhance the event in years to come."

The Norfolk Senior Olympics was established in 1983 with one goal: to help seniors succeed in life. The event's athletic competitions encourage Norfolk's seniors to remain active. The open and friendly atmosphere creates a space for networking and socialization. The resource fair provides attendees easy access to resources that they otherwise may not have been able to receive.

In 2013, more than 350 athletes participated in the events, representing 18 senior clubs and numerous senior-living facilities throughout Norfolk. The event is planned and coordinated by Norfolk RPOS, the Norfolk Task Force on Aging and several area businesses.

For more information visit www.Norfolk.gov/RPOS.