Northern Virginia Senior Olympics set for September

A beach ball wallyball game at Providence RECenter during the 2019 Senior Olympics.

The 2021 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics are definitely a go for 2021. Athletic competitions for athletes 50+ will be held Sept. 18-30 at venues throughout Northern Virginia. 

“There may be a few events missing due to unavailable venues, but we hope to secure all of the locations by July,” says Michael McLaughlin, acting chair of the NVSO.  

The 2020 Senior Olympics was canceled due to the COVID pandemic. For the 2021 competitions, participants and volunteers are expected to be vaccinated and follow COVID protocols. 

Events on the schedule for 2021 include golf, 10-pin bowling, swimming, pickleball, croquet, bocce, horseshoes, cycling, orienteering, miniature golf, sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, yo-yo, track, rowing, diving, tennis, football and frisbee throw, softball hit and throw, cornhole toss, basketball field goals and free throws, field events, and Wii bowling.

Registration will be available online beginning July 31 and will close Sept. 6. The registration fee is $15, which covers multiple events. There are additional fees for golf, 10-pin bowling, cycling, and orienteering.     

Participants must be 50 years of age by Dec. 31 and live in a sponsoring jurisdiction (the counties of Arlington, Loudoun, Fairfax, Fauquier, and Prince William and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church). 

All past Senior Olympics participants will receive a brochure in July with detailed information and event rules.