Athletes have until May 8 to register for the 44th Annual St. Louis Senior Olympics, set for Memorial Day Weekend.  This year’s competition boasts over 90 individual and team events, including some new events to go along with beloved favorites.

Contrary to its moniker, the Senior Olympics does indeed welcome participants who turn 50 before December 31st, 2024.

New events

Long-time Senior Olympian, Dennis Rubin, has been wanting to include Push Up and Straight Arm Hang competitions for years.

“We receive inquiries for new events for the St. Louis Senior Olympics regularly,” said Senior Olympics Event Coordinator Stephanie Rhea. “The request is often followed by us saying ‘If you want to be the event director for this new event we can talk.”

Usually, that’s the end of the conversation, but not with Rubin.

“Dennis committed to being an Event Director and now we have a wonderful addition to the Weightlifting Competition,” said Rhea.

While a push-up competition is fairly easy to understand, The Straight Arm Hang may be new to some. Basically, the event calls for a single attempt for the longest time. The athlete is required to place both hands on the bar at the same time, and quick re-grips are usually allowed (More info on exact rules is forthcoming). Time ends when any part of the athlete’s food touches the ground.

In addition to the two new weightlifting events, 3-On-3 Basketball and a Longest Drive competition have been added.

“The 3 on 3 event was removed from competition due to COVID, but we feel that now is a good time to bring it back,” said Rhea. “We are hoping that it will attract more younger athletes (ages 50-64) that are still playing in leagues but have never participated in the St. Louis Senior Olympics.

Golf- Longest Drive is a new event that has been added as the J now has an indoor Golf Simulator. This competition will take place indoors at the Creve Coeur J at the same time as Golf- Closest to the Pin so golf lovers can do both in one morning.

More events

Athletes aged 50-59 can compete in events such as basketball, track, swimming, tennis, and pickleball. Exceptional performances in these events could secure qualification for the prestigious 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

“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,” said Stephanie Rhea, the St. Louis Senior Olympics Coordinator.

To register as an athlete or volunteer, see a complete list of events, venues and schedule, or to get more information, visit stlouisseniorolympics.org or call 314.442.3164. Paper registration forms are available at the J in Creve Coeur and Chesterfield.

44th St. Louis Senior Olympics

When: May 24-28, 2024 and surrounding dates
Where: The Jewish Community Center Track & Field and other venues
Registration closes: May 8, 2024