Seniors: Go for the gold!

Basketball medalists at the 2015 Senior Olympics. [Cecil Greene]

If you’ve always had a dream about winning an Olympic medal, here’s your chance. The 34th annual Northern Virginia Senior Olympics is happening Sept. 10-21. Online registration began July 5.

Intense competition in Scrabble.

As long as you turn 50 by Dec. 31, 2016, and live in Northern Virginia, you can compete. And you don’t even have to be physically fit. There are lots of events, like scrabble and duplicate bridge, that require mental abilities, as well traditional sports like volleyball and swimming.

Five new competitions have been added this year: orienteering, Rummikub, Sudoku, 100-yard breaststroke, and a spelling bee.

Events are held throughout the region at 20 venues, including the Audrey Moore RECenter in Annandale. Many events have separate competitions for men and women and for different age groups. The Senior Olympics is a great way to meet new players, learn about local recreational opportunities, and get motivated to work out.

The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics is sponsored the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William.