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 at this event.

In keeping with the spirit of the Senior Games, there is only one qualification to participate in the Walk of Ages:  at least one person among the families and friends walking must be 50 years of age or older.

At the conclusion of the Walk of Ages, it is hoped that all of the walkers will remain at Tumwater Stadium, either to continue as a member of the competition or to cheer on senior athletes who will be competing in a host of track and field events.  What better way to observe and understand the positive impact the Senior Games have on the senior community.

The training opportunities listed below are available for folks 50 years old and up.  They will be available, AT NO COST, until the 2008 State Games to be held in the Olympia/Tumwater/Lacey area the last weekend in July:

• Walking, via the Senior Services of South Sound, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9:00 to 10:00 am, mainly around Capital Lake with accommodations to walk inside on bad weather days. For further information, please contact the Senior Center, 360-586-6181.
• Running, at North Thurston High School, regardless of the weather, Wednesdays, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, with help from Jeff Foster, coach. Jeff can be reached at 360-352-6087 for current further details.
• Beginning ballroom dancing, at Briggs YMCA, on Mondays, 2:15 – 3:15 pm, taught by Karen Ideker and John McLaughlin, to include fox trot, cha cha, and tango. Please call Karen, at 360-438-9776, for dance information, and Barb Scott, Active Older Adults Program, at Briggs YMCA, 360-753-6576, for registration information.
• Swimming, at Briggs YMCA, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 am through June, then 11:45 am – 1:00 pm during July, taught/coordinated by a Master’s swimmer and coach. Up to 12 swimmers can be accommodated. Please call Barb Scott, Active Older Adults Program, at Briggs Y, 360-753-6576, for further information.
• Basketball, at Briggs YMCA, Friday evenings, beginning February 1. Gym space is open and coaching available for those who would like it. Please call Barb Scott, at Briggs Y, 360-753-6576, for more detailed information.
• Strength/Weight Training, at St. Peter (Hospital) Fitness Center, May 19 - July 23, Monday and Wednesday afternoons, 2:00 – 3:00 pm. The focus will be on strength training, plyometrics, and core strength conditioning, a great cross training session for anyone participating in any of the State Senior Games’ sports. Please call Mike, at the Fitness Center, 360-493-7494, for information and registration. NOTE: This strength training does not begin until May.
• Volleyball, managed by the City of Lacey Parks and Recreation Department, and held at Komachin Middle School, Sundays, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. Please call Lacey Parks and Recreation, at 360-491-0857, for further information and registration.
• Track & Field – Throwing events, Tumwater High School, Sunday mornings – 9:00 – 10:30 am, and, after Spring time change, also Tuesday afternoons, 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
  The focus is on throwing – shotput, discus, javelin at Tumwater High School, and, irregularly, hammer and weight throws at Centralia High School. Please contact coach Paul Kelly, at 360-352-4978, for questions. USATF card required for hammer and weight throws.
• Track & Field – Pole vaulting (indoor), at Gymnastics Elite, Mottman Rd, Friday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Any skill level is encouraged, from beginning to advanced. Coach is Marc Fish, @ marcandyvonne@yahoo.com. For registration information, please contact Kitty, at Gymnastics Elite, 360-956-1319. USATF card required.