What can you tell me about the Senior Olympic games? I just heard of them recently and want to learn more.

The spirit of competition is alive and well in older adults. Archery, bowling, swimming, track and field, race walking and more are featured events in the Senior Olympic Games at the state and national level.

Though not an expert and never a participant, this is what I know: The First Senior Olympics were in South California in 1969. Since that time hundreds of local and regional events have taken place through the United States and Canada.

The National Senior Games are every other year. A person or team must qualify at a state contest in order to be a participant in the Nationals. In 2001, the National Senior Games were in Baton Rough, La., with more than 8,700 participants.

Events are organized for men and women in five-year age segments from 50 to 100-plus.

The next National Summer Games will be from May 27 to June 9, 2003, in Hampton Roads, Va.

Qualifying events will be in the 19th Annual 2002 Kansas Senior Olympics in Topeka, Sept. 26-29 for individual and doubles competition; Oct. 3-6 for team sports; and Oct. 4, golf. This is the only Kansas qualifying site.

Anyone who is 50 years of age on or before Dec. 31, 2002, may qualify. The early bird entry fee (by Friday) is $35. Regular registration (closing Aug. 30) is $45. Golf fees are $25.25 for those 50-61 and $27 for people 62 and over.

For a complete program of events and an entry form, you can write or call: Kansas Senior Olympics, 1534 SW Clay St., Topeka, 66604; (785) 368-3798.

The National Senior Games Assn. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for seniors through education, fitness and sport. That organization is available on the web at www.nationalseniorgames.org.

The Senior Olympic motto is, “You don’t stop playing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop playing.” I hope you check it out. I’m sure there is an event you would enjoy.

If you have a question or comment for “Sense for Seniors,” write to Betty Gibb, Kansas Senior Press Service, 11875 S. Sunset, Suite 200, Olathe 66061. Or call 913-477-8103 or send e-mail to elizabeth.gibb@jocoks.com.