RAPID CITY, SD–From basketball, bean bag toss, card games and golf to horseshoes, pickle ball, table tennis and track and field there is something for everyone at the Black Hills Senior Games, which get underway this week at various venues in Rapid City.
The annual event is being hosted by the Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department. Events begin today with golf and continue through the week, culminating with Friday’s track and field events at the Sioux Park Stadium and card games at the Minneluzahan Senior Center.
“The Senior Games were established years ago to promote health, fitness and physical activity for men and women 50 years of age and older, but it’s much more,” said Kristy Lintz, Recreation Specialist with the Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department. “It brings out the competitive spirit in the participants but it’s also a way for friends to participate and compete together and against each other in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.”
Participants compete against each other in their same gender and in the same age group. The Senior Games are open to participants age 50 and over. In recent years, competitors in their 90’s and over 100 have participated. There are several regional games in the state and the South Dakota Senior Games will be held September 6-9 in Sioux Falls. Some competitors go on to compete at both the state and national Games. At last year’s National Senior Games in Birmingham, Alabama, Rapid City’s Dick McConnell, 75, finished third in the high jump.
Senior Games events will be held at various venues including Canyon Lake Activity Center, Minneluzahan Senior Center, Sioux Park Track and Pavilion, Meadowood Lanes, Roosevelt Swim Center, West Community Gym and Meadowbrook and Executive Golf Courses.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
July 16-19:
Golf at Meadowbrook and Executive Golf Courses
Tuesday, July 17:
9 a.m.: Basketball, Jump Rope, Bean Bag Toss at West Community Gym
9 a.m.: Cycling at Sioux Park Pavilion
Noon: Pickleball Doubles and Mixed Doubles at Canyon Lake Activity Center
WII Bowling, Mexican Train at Minneluzahan Senior Center
1 p.m.: Whist at Canyon Lake Activity Center
Wednesday, July 18:
9 a.m.: Horseshoes at Sioux Park Pavilion
1 p.m.: Table Tennis at Canyon Lake Activity Center
3 p.m.: Pickleball Singles at Canyon Lake Activity Center
5 p.m.: Athletes Picnic, Old Storybook Island Shelter
Thursday, July 19:
9 a.m.: Swimming at Roosevelt Park Swim Center
11:30 a.m.: Shuffleboard at Minneluzahan Senior Center
Noon: Hand & Foot, Texas Hold ’em at Minneluzahan Senior Center
1 p.m.: Bowling at Meadowood Lanes
Friday, July 20:
8 a.m.: Track and Field at Sioux Park Stadium
Noon: Pitch, Mahjong and Pinochle at Minneluzahan Senior Center
