City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 791-3244

Address: 4208 S. Santa Rita Ave.

Description: The Tucson Parks and Recreation Department (see the Parks & Recreation chapter) is known for the wide variety of programs it offers, especially those created with seniors in mind. One of the best examples in the varied slate is the Tucson Senior Olympic Festival for participants over age 50.Modeled after the real thing, complete with a celebratory opening ceremony and lighting of the torch, the Olympic Festival brings together senior athletes from all over the Southwest for 9 days of competition and camaraderie in mid-January. The festival attracts thousands of senior athletes competing in nearly 90 events and 33 sports at venues all over town. Competitions are held in aerobics, racquetball, swimming, cribbage, a wide variety of card games, cycling, horseshoes, bocce, and much more.The public is invited to watch (and maybe get a little inspiration to get into shape). Watch the newspaper or call the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department for a complete rundown of times, places, and events. There is a registration fee to participate.