For the past seven years, the Senior Center of South Pearl River County has held a 5K-race fundraiser, but because of the growing number of 5K races in the area, staff decided to take a different, and more fun, route this year.

On Nov. 3 and 4, the Senior Center will hold its first Senior Center Games Kickoff Event for anyone 50 years or older, Senior Center Executive Director Darlene Adams said.

“This is something that has been on my heart to do for a while,” Adams said. “I know that Mississippi holds a Senior Olympics and I thought it would be awesome to have our own games in the county.”

On Nov. 3 at 9 a.m., participates will compete in events such as a 5K run, a mile run/walk, a sprint run/walk, horseshoes, corn hole, Wii Bowling, volleyball, archery, bean bag baseball, darts, team line dancing and freestyle dancing.

“We believe this event will give the senior community an opportunity to enhance their quality of life with these athletic events,” Adams said. “We hope this will promote a healthy and active lifestyle throughout our senior community.”

Senior citizens that are physically challenged can participate in many of the games, so Adams encourages everyone to partake.

Medals will be awarded to first, second and third place athletes in each event.

Adams said she has been talking with a couple of the local leaders in the county in an effort to expand the event and hopefully have a “bigger and better event” in the years to come.

“I can already tell the seniors are really going to enjoy this event and even those that don’t participate as athletes can have a good time too. I want to give the community a taste of what’s to come for the upcoming years and we are all looking forward for it to start soon,” Adams said.

Adams’ plan to make the event bigger is in its early stages, but consists of setting events at various venues around the county and to bring in athletes from all over the state, and possibly the nation. Also, Adams said she hopes that this event encourages some of the athletes to build their confidence and compete at the Mississippi Senior Olympics.

For those interested in participating, registration forms can be found either at the Senior Center or online at www.prcseniorcenter.org. There is an entry fee of $30 per athlete.

On Nov. 4, the “Celebration of Athletes” will be held at the center from 6-9 p.m. with dinner and lots of dancing, Adams said. This celebration is free for the athletes that participated in the games and cost $15 for non-athletes that want to join.