Countdown: 100 Days Before Senior Games 2009 Launch

MIDDELBURG, The Netherlands - In exactly 100 days, the Senior Games 2009 start in the Province of Zeeland. The first European edition of this international sports event for people over fifty will take place September 7-12, 2009.

A 100 year old participant!

More than 1,500 participants have entered to participate in 22 sports from the main programme of the Senior Games 2009. The oldest participant so far is 100-year-old American Roger Gentilhomme. In September, he will be vying for the Senior Games championship in tennis and bowling.

World’s best

Several former national, European, and world champions have entered the Senior Games, including former Olympic participant, world champion, and multiple European champion of the triathlon and duathlon, Rob Barel. In addition to the triathlon, this 51-year-old triathlete has also entered mountain biking, track and field, and swimming competitions. “I think it will all be great fun. Let’s see if I can relive the Olympic feeling from Sydney again,” says Barel.

23 nationalities

Four months before the kick-off of the Senior Games, the organization can count on the participation of sportsmen and women from at least 23 different countries. In addition to Dutch participants, European participants from Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Italy, Norway, Russia, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, and Hungary have entered. Furthermore, there are participants from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Israel, and Uzbekistan.

Who wants to participate?

As many as 3,000 participants over fifty are expected to compete against each other for the highest attainable goal in this sporting event. Participants can enter for the disciplines from the main programme until August 1, 2009, as long as these events have not been fully booked up. Go to www.seniorgames2009.com.

Recreational sports programme

At least 1,000 participants are expected to enter the recreational programme.

The one-day to four-day cycling and walking tours are open to participants of all ages. Special diving, Nordic walking and line dance courses are offered to people over fifty. Entry for these sports closes on September 1.

Senior Games for everyone

A venue will be set up in Sportpunt Zeeland in Goes where there will be several activities such as presentations, sports clinics, demonstrations, live music, an international korfball match, the “WielerSportCultuur” exhibit about the cycling sports culture, and a sports health forum. On Thursday evening, the Celebration of the Athletes will be held. This is a party for all sportsmen and sportswoman, their families, the volunteers, the sponsors and other interested parties.

Source: Senior Games 2009

Should you have any questions, you may contact Ton Kienhuis +31-65-383-4816 or Enno Tjepkema +31-61-568-9961