Center in the Park

For Immediate Release
August 1, 2011

26th Annula Philadelphia Senior Games

GAMES’11 – By Lawrence Geller

The 26th annual Philadelphia Senior Games jumpstarts its second quarter of a century on Wednesday, September 7, with a grand opening Body and Soul Fitness Expo at the Center in the Park Senior Community Center, 5818 Germantown Av., showcasing the physical, mental and athletic spirit of seniors 50+.

The games usually held in the spring were delayed this year due to the administrative merger of the Dept. of Recreation (founder of the games and sole host 1986-2010) with the Parks Commission.

"We are so excited to be stepping up to the plate and co-hosting the games with Parks and Recreation," said Lynn Fields Harris, director of the center, which has been a past sponsor and a member of the games’ planning committee.

"Notwithstanding the post-Labor Day start," she continued, "older adults can look forward to an exciting and memorable experience in whichever events they participate."

What follows is a complete list of events for the 26th annual games, also supported by the Philadelphia Corporation of Aging, Independence Blue Cross, Bravo Health, a Health Spring co., and Healthways Corporation - Silver Sneakers.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 7
Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown. Av.

Body and Soul Fitness Expo., Noon-6p.m.
Penn Charter School, 3300 W. Schoolhouse La.

Track and Field, 9a.m.- Noon
Gustine Recreation Center., 4863 Ridge Av.

Table tennis and shuffle board, 9 a.m. – Noon
Arthur Ashe Tennis Center, 4842 Ridge Av.

Tennis, 9 – 11a.m.
Marconi Plaza, betwn. 13th and 15th Sts. and Bigler St. and Oregon Av.

Horseshoes, 10-11:30 a.m.

Bocci, 11a.m. – 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 8
Philadelphia University, 4201 Henry Av.

Basketball, 9 a.m. – Noon
Thunderbird Lanes, 3081 Holme Av.

Bowling, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

FRIDAY, Sept. 9
Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Av.

Table game day, 10a.m. – 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 17
A NEW EVENT
Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park

Cycling.

Details on the swimming event are forthcoming, pending confirmation with the location.

Registration fee for the games is $10. Persons wishing more information should contact Ms. Brannon Johnson, program director, Center in the Park, at 215-848-7722.

Let the games begin!

Center in the Park is a community center that promotes positive aging and fosters community connections for older adults in Northwest Philadelphia, whose voices are critical instruments in shaping its activities and direction. CIP is accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers, a unit of the National Council on Aging as a provider of excellent programs, activities and services for its active membership of more than 5,000 and its 1,000 homebound clients.