Over 600 senior citizens from all over the mitten state will get together in February to compete at the Michigan Senior Olympics. The athletes will compete in winter sports like ice hockey and cross country skiing as well as indoor sports like volleyball, bocce ball and basketball.

“It’s so awesome to see someone finish a race and have a big smile on their face when they see what their final time or score was,” Michigan Senior Olympics Executive Director Becky Ridky said. “It’s great seeing the joy that the Senior Olympics brings to the athletes.”

So far, four Oxford residents are signed up for the games. Randy Davisson will be competing in billiards, Cindy Thebo will be competing in bocce ball and Walter Basko as well as Richard Chaver will be competing in ice hockey.

This year’s games are in a non-qualifying year for the national Senior Olympics, so many athletes will be there in the hopes of beating their own records and having a good time. During qualifying years, Ridky said Michigan usually sends around 500 athletes to the national competition.

Ridky said athletes don’t have to be of a certain skill level and can participate even just for the sake of having a little fun and promoting a healthy lifestyle. To keep it enjoyable and competitive for everyone, participants compete in five-year age brackets.

“We have people of all different fitness levels that participate in the games,” Ridky said. “We might have people who have done this for years and train year-round for it, while for others it might be their first time trying that sport and just want to try something new. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new or a seasoned athlete, everyone is welcoming.”

The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 18 and is open to anyone over the age of 50.

Ridky said the event is all about getting together and having a good time with people of a similar age. “It’s just about the comradery of being around other athletes and friends,” she said. “A lot of people might not care about winning a gold medal, it’s all about their personal bests, trying their hardest and being around friends.”

Registration for events starts at $15, and more information can be found here. Those with questions  or who want to volunteer can visit the website or call the office at (248) 608-0250.