Henderson to host 2012 Senior Games

The 2012 Senior Games is slated to return to Henderson this April.

The games are open to athletes 50 or older. People can compete in activities such as powerlifting, golf, table tennis, volleyball, tennis, and track and field events such as sprints, long jump, discus and javelin. There also is a basketball skills event that features activities such as a three-point shoot-off or dribbling skills.

Games are slated to take place from April 10-29 .

After each event, the first-, second- and third-place winners are presented awards.

The games started in 2006, said Kim Becker, a spokeswoman with the city of Henderson's parks and recreation department.

"Prior to it starting, there was a smaller version (of the Senior Games) held at the recreation centers," Becker said.

The games, which are played at multiple city venues, are growing.

Becker said 318 people participated in 2010 .

"That number grew to 416 people in 2011," Becker said. "We are seeing a dramatic increase."

Lana Penrose, who has competed for about five years, said she plans to compete again.

An avid tennis player since she was about 8, Penrose has traveled the Pacific Northwest competing.

She discovered the games when she saw a flier.

"I immediately thought, 'This is great and happening in my back yard,' " Penrose said.

Each year the Senior Games provides Penrose with a new challenge because she never knows whom she will be competing against. The challenge has not stopped her from winning medals in tennis doubles and mixed doubles.

"I have won a gold and a silver medal," Penrose said. "It is all about having a good partner."

Along with competing and staying active , Penrose said she enjoys being able to meet new people.

"It brings people together who may not normally be social," Penrose said.

Becker said because the registration age starts at 50, the athletes are still vibrant and active.

"Even some of the older (players) are quite fit," Becker said .

Penrose said this year marks the fourth time she has volunteered for the games. She has served as a coordinator who sends out fliers and spreads awareness of the event through word of mouth.

Becker said in addition to reaching out to Henderson residents, the city markets the event to seniors around the country. About 100 to 150 people competing in the games are estimated to be from out of state.

"We are finding that people are looking for competition," Becker said.

Volleyball and tennis are the top sports people will travel for, Becker said.

The city partners with hotels to help competitors find special rates.

"It is good for the economy," Becker said. "People stay at our hotels and eat at our restaurants."

The deadline to register is March 15. Registration is $15 and includes a T-shirt. There also is a fee for each event entered.

For more information, visit cityofhenderson.com/parks or call the sports office at 267-5717.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.