Special Events

The 2010 Washington State Senior Games will formally open at 8:00 am, on Saturday, July 24, at the Tumwater High School Stadium. Following the playing of the national anthem, officials from the state, Thurston County, and local mayors will officially open the Games.

We encourage all participating athletes to attend the opening ceremonies as an important part of your overall experience competing in the Games.

Healthy snacks will be available to athletes at this event.

For some time we have had requests to incorporate a walk event into the Washington State Senior Games. And after reviewing the events provided by other states, it is clear that many offer some kind of formal walk to accompany the road race events.

As a result, we offer a 5K Fun Walk as part of our State Senior Games in 2010. It will be for anyone 50+; it will be a non-competitive, non-timed event. Walkers will only be able to register on the day of event (Saturday, July 24, check-in begins at 7:30 am, at the Tumwater High School Stadium). The 5K Fun Walk will start at 8:45 am, at the same time as the 5K and 10K running events. There will be no cost and finishers will receive an official t-shirt commemorating the 2010 Senior Games.

Over the years some of you who are dedicated walkers have asked to participate in our Race Walking event. Because race walking is a very unique sport that has very strict rules, and the fact that participants are closely monitored at all times by judges, it is not the proper event for those that simply like to get out and walk. Up to now we have not been able to provide an appropriate alternative. Now, however, we can and if you haven’t participated in the Senior Games before, the 5K Walk will be a fun way to find out what all the fuss is about – and get some healthy exercise at the same time.

In celebration of all of our athletes and their families, volunteers and sponsors, a reception and dinner is planned for Saturday, July 24, at the Olympia Senior Center, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Following the reception Ramblin' Jacks, one of our local sponsors, will provide one of their speciality dinners beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. The evening will include photos from the early events, special entertainment, and drawings for our unique gift baskets.

Plan to attend this celebration where spirits and camaraderie run high. If you attended last year you know this event has truly become one of the Games' unforgettable highlights.

The cost to attend the reception and dinner is only $10, the same as last year. The Olympia Center is located at 222 Columbia St. NW in downtown Olympia.

As part of our Washington State Senior Games this year, we have something special, particularly for you walkers. For the first time Puget Sound Senior Games has partnered with the Capitol Volkssport Club for a Senior Games Walk, to begin at approximately 9:00 am (just after the Opening Ceremony), at Tumwater High School Stadium. The distance will be either a 5 K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles); the "trail" will be along the streets in the residential area surrounding Tumwater High School.

Capitol Volkssport Club joins Puget Sound Senior Games in encouraging men and women age 50+ to make exercise and fun a year-round habit. Staying active really gets those juices flowing again. Whether you choose the competition of Senior Games or non-competitive Volkssports, exercise is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle.

This event is sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association. For more information on the Senior Games Walk contact Jim Younkins at 360-357-9185, and email: jcyounkins@comcast.net

• Running, at North Thurston High School, Wednesdays, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
  • Interval training sessions held every Wednesday of the year.
  • Please contact Jeff Foster at 360-352-6087 for further details.
• Track & Field – Throwing events (primarily shot put, discus and javelin) Sundays from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at Olympia High School.
  • Please contact coach Paul Kelly, at 360-352-4978, for questions.
• Volleyball, at Komachin Middle School, Sundays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
  • This is offered through Lacey Parks & Recreation and is available for Women 40+ and Men 50+.
  • The cost is $5.00 per player at the door.
• Swimming, at North Thurston High School every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm starting June 15th through July 22nd.
  • This training is available for swimmers who plan on competing in the Washington State Senior Games swim meet on July 25th.
  • The coach will be Mel Smith, the South Sound Master's Swimmers' coach.
  • The cost is $20.00 for the 6-week training period.
  • North Thurston High School is located at 600 Sleater-Kinney Rd in Lacey.
  • Please contact Gloria Tolaro, swimming commissioner, by phone at 360-273-6553 or by email at 19gloria@sprintmail.com for a reservation and details.