Participants pick up packets for The Villages Florida Senior Games

By APRIL TOLER, DAILY SUN

Friday, April 3, 2009 7:35 AM EDT

THE VILLAGES — David Pope has been active his entire life.

But it wasn’t until he moved to The Villages that he had the opportunity to meet a group of men and women his age who enjoyed spending their time keeping fit.

“It’s wonderful to keep up (with activities) regardless of your age,” Pope, a Village of Duval resident, said. “It keeps you young at heart.”

One of the ways Pope keeps young at heart is by participating in The Villages Florida Senior Games.

Pope was one of the first in line Thursday morning at Bridgeport Recreation Center to pick up his Senior Games package, which gives all registered athletes a schedule of all the Senior Games events happening during April.

“It’s a big event here in The Villages,” Wendy Touchette, recreation assistant, said.

The Senior Games kicked off last month with an archery event, and this month will feature pickleball, bowling, billiards, tennis, volleyball, horseshoes and other sports.

More than 700 players are registered to participate in the upcoming games, according to Madeline Castro, recreation special events coordinator.

“Senior Games is probably one of our largest events,” she said.

When it comes to the popularity of the games, Castro attributes it to the active lifestyle most Villagers adopt and the variety of sports offered during the event.

“It really gives an opportunity for anybody to participate,” she said.

The Senior Games begin Saturday at The Villages High School with men’s and women’s volleyball. Men’s volleyball begins at 9 a.m.; women’s begins at 2 p.m.

April Toler is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9013, or april.toler@thevillagesmedia.com.