The St. Louis Senior Olympics sporting event for men and women age 50 and older, now in its 40^th year, is accepting applications for athletes and volunteers to participate in more than 90 individual and team events over Memorial Day weekend, May 23 to 28. The St. Louis Senior Olympics includes more than 1,200 athletes, 300 volunteers and 13 venues across the greater St. Louis area, and includes competition in everything from basketball to bocce; soccer, softball and shuffleboard; to tap dancing, tennis and track. 

“It’s truly a community-wide event that provides something meaningful for everyone who participates,” said Phil Ruben, a Jewish Community Center staff member who directs the event. “We have serious competition, friendly games and performances. We have volunteer opportunities for all ages. And in the end, we have recognition, camaraderie and enduring friendships, all built around the spirit of this great event.”

On Thursday, May 23, in celebration of the 40^th anniversary, a full slate of programming is scheduled; including a senior Tap Dance exhibition, the AARP Fitness Fair and a one-mile, intergenerational “Walk of Ages” on the J’s campus in Creve Coeur. At 5 p.m., Senior Olympics will host a panel with local St. Louis sports personalities, moderated by former Chicago sports announcer and longtime St. Louis J supporter Jerry Ehrlich. Included in this panel (to date) are longtime St. Louis basketball coach Rich Grawer, and Mark Gorski, Olympic Gold Medalist in cycling. The panel will discuss their accomplishment in sports, healthy aging, and how they continue to participate in athletics and fitness.  This event is free and open to the community.

To register as an athlete or volunteer, see a complete list of events, venues and schedule (including the 40^th Anniversary Kickoff on May 23), or to get more information, visit stlouisseniorolympics.org or call 314-442-3279. Paper registration forms are available at the J in Creve Coeur and Chesterfield, and at various athletic specialty stores and community organizations throughout the area. 

The deadline for early registration rates is April 15; final registration deadline is May 1.