Florida Senior Games begin
When the starter’s gun fires Saturday morning in downtown Fort Myers, it not only signifies the beginning of a 10K road race, but the start of the first of 12 events on the first day of the Florida Senior Games State Championships.
With rain in the forecast for Saturday, plans were made to relocate men’s and women’s doubles pickleball to an indoor facility at Wa-ke-Hatchee Recreation Center, 16355 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers. The start time also was changed to noon (check-in), just 30 minutes prior to the competition. Sunday’s schedule is unchanged at Rutenburg Community Park.
Pickleball has more than 120 participants, an event record in Lee County. It’s one of the hottest sports on the senior circuit.
It’s a family affair at the powerlifting competition at Florida Gulf Coast University as Maria Pares of Ocala will compete alongside her two sons, Segismundo and Armando. Maria is competing in her first powerlifting event in the 75-79 age group. Segismundo and Armando compete in the 50-54 age group.
Also on the FGCU campus, two 50-yard and three 100-yard races start the swimming event even if it’s raining, just not if it’s lightning.
Archery takes a bow at FGCU’s Sherman Soccer Complex with more than 70 competitors.
In Cape Coral, bocce begins at Veteran’s Park with women’s events.
Bowling is on tap at Galaxy Lanes in Fort Myers and men’s volleyball opens at Estero Community Center.
The Games – 31 different sports – continue for nine days through Dec. 13.