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The Quad Cities Senior Olympics kicks off 19th annual games in R.I.
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Press release submitted by Quad Cities Senior Olympics The Quad Cities Senior Olympics Kicks off 19th Annual Games in Rock Island The Quad Cities Senior Olympics or QCSO kicks off its 2009 games this week, and promises to be an amazing, albeit warm event! The QCSO Visual, Literary and Heritage Arts Reception, wherein gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded is 7 PM Wednesday, June 24th at CASI in Davenport. On Thursday, June 25th at 7PM, the Quad Cities Jewish Center will come alive as it hosts the QCSO Performing Arts competition. This fun evening will include an estimated 15 acts of single, duet or group registrants with a variety of talent. This year"s performing arts program will feature Mr. Richard Hengle playing the bones and the spoons (he is not to be missed!) and the "Quad Cities Cloggers" dance group. This event will also include piano and vocal solos and duets along with many other acts. There"s truly something for everyone at the QCSO. Spectators are welcome to witness what previous attendees have called "a delightful event that is always full of surprises!" On Friday, June 26th-27th the QCSO kicks into high gear with almost 40 different athletic and sporting events. "Few people realize how many different activities are included in the Quad Cities Senior Olympics" says Phyllis Kenney, administrative assistant for the QCSO. "Participants can bowl, play golf, shoot at the pistol range, run a race or throw a javelin!" Norm Bower, manager for the QCSO swimming events, enjoys seeing people over age 50 get the chance to shine, as they swim in a wide range of events from short to longer distances and all the major strokes. "Our swimmers can be very competitive, particularly in the age 50-55 and 56-60 age groups. The eighty plus year old swimmers sometimes swim for fun rather than for time, but once in a while we have swimmers in the older age groups who want to break their last year"s record!" Dr. Lisa Killinger, who teaches Healthy Aging at Palmer College of Chiropractic, has enjoyed attending the games for the past few years since it enriches her experience with seniors who have mastered the key to success in aging: STAYING ACTIVE! She was surprised at the number of female athletes who participate, given that most women over 50 did not have women"s athletics when they were in school. Dr. Killinger, who serves as Co-Chair of the 2009 games said, "The Quad Cities Senior Olympics are one of the midwest"s largest and most inclusive games with nearly 90 events, half of which are non-athletic." She also states that "This is the best deal in town. For $15 registrants can participate in unlimited events, get a free t-shirt, have a free dinner, unlimited snacks and even attend our vendor fair. In today"s economy, that"s hard to beat!" At this year"s Quad Cities Senior Olympics (QCSO), on June 26th and 27th, eight individuals will be inducted into the QCSO Hall of Fame at the closing ceremony and dinner. These individuals have either served the Senior Olympics as outstanding leaders, volunteers or participants. According to Terry Kramer, Co-chair of the 2009 games, "It is the very least we can do to recognize these individuals who exemplify the best of what the Senior Olympics has to offer to our community. Our ‘Hall of Famers" are the embodiment of our Senior Olympics motto ‘Enhancing Life After Fifty"." The 2009 Hall of Fame inductees are (in alphabetical order): W.J. "Bing" Bingham, Bud Braunlich, Ruth and Don Johnson, Elinor Nelson, Pete Stopoulos, George Rajcevich, and Fred Whiteside. A complete schedule of events and locations can be viewed at www.qcseniorolympics.org. Participation in the games, as a spectator, volunteer or participant is welcome! Athletes must be 50 years old or older (or 40+ for Swimming, Track & Field.) The 2009 QCSO Headquarters are located at Augustana College's Carlson/Evald Hall (overlooking the Augie tennis courts.) Headquarters and on-site registration will open from 4-9 PM on Friday, June 26th, and 8 am-5pm Saturday June 27th. The opening ceremony will feature Rock Island"s Mayor and recognition of the Hall of Fame inductees and sponsors and the closing ceremonies at 4 PM Saturday will feature a dinner provided by Hy-Vee, awards and a color guard and flag ceremony. For more information call: Lisa Killinger at 563-650-5733. 
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