By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
The lifting of the City of Yukon’s mask guidelines has prompted renewed interest in the Yukon Senior Games.
With masking no longer required inside city-owned buildings, pickle-ballers and other competitors are busy signing up for the big event.
The 20th Annual Yukon Senior Games will be Monday through Friday, April 12-16 at sites in Yukon and Oklahoma City. The competition is open to anyone age 50 and above.
Several indoor events – like pickleball, basketball and billiards – are planned at Yukon Parks & Recreation buildings.
“Registration has jumped up since they don’t have to wear masks,” YPR Director Jan Scott shared. “The word got around quickly to the pickle-ballers.”
More than 100 people have registered for the triumphant return of Yukon’s Senior Games.
After many special events and programs were canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, YPR’s longtime director is thrilled to host the Yukon Senior Games again.
“I’m real encouraged that they’re coming out next week for our local games,” Scott said. “They love to compete and really missed it last year.”
Other event categories include archery, horseshoe pitching, cornhole, weightlifting, fitness, golf, and bowling. There also will be creative arts contests, specifically poetry, photography and art.
Yukon Senior Games’ age divisions are: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and 90-above.
Awards will be presented to the first, second and third place finishers in each category.
One popular Yukon Senior Games’ event that will not happen is the track and field meet. That is because the Yukon senior district still does not allow outside groups to use its track facilities, owing to the virus.
“We usually have about 70 compete in the track meet,” Scott said. “Maybe next year.”
A SOCIAL EVENT
The Yukon Senior Games is ideal for anyone age 50 years and up who wants to be around others in a fun competitive environment.
“It’s a very social activity,” Scott noted. “It’s popular for seniors who are active. Many of the participants travel from state to state to compete.”
Everyone is invited to a Hawaiian luau-themed social at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 13 at the Dale Robertson Center, 1200 Lakeshore. This will feature dancing, dinner, live music, and a costume contest.
“It will be a lot of fun,” Scott said. “It’s open to all seniors; they don’t have to compete in the games to attend.”
Three YPR facilities will host Yukon Seniors Games’ competitions – the Dale Robertson Center, Jackie Cooper Gym and Yukon City Park.
Organizers partner with two local businesses, Miller Fit and Archery Traditions, to present the archery and weightlifting/fitness competitions.
Since Yukon doesn’t have a golf course or bowling alley, those events are hosted by Lake Hefner Golf Club and Heritage Lanes in Oklahoma City.
Registration for the 2021 Yukon Senior Games is $5 per event. For more information, call (405) 350-8920 or contact coordinators Zach Buseman at zbuseman@yukonok.gov or Tyler Kilmer at tkilmer@yukonok.gov
