If you always wanted to be an Olympic Athlete, the Maryland Senior Olympics (MSO) might just be your chance. Each year since 1980, this 501(c) 3 has offered about 100 events in two dozen sports for active residents over 50 (by 12/31/2024). Approximately 1,500 adults from 50-80 have participated in the age-grouped competitions. In the odd years, the top three qualifiers in each event receive medals and in even years the top 4 in each state-level event advance to the National Senior Games level, which are held in odd years.
You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to compete in the Maryland Senior Olympics. The motto is, “To Participate Is to Win!” The athletes compete because of their fellowship, friendships, personal challenges, and their competitive nature.
In 2007, Montgomery County agreed to become the administrator of the Maryland Senior Olympics. The games are conducted in partnership with the Montgomery County Recreation Department. Many of the events are held in Montgomery County but there are also events in Anne Arundel, Frederick, Howard, and Prince George’s counties.
You may have read that Poolesville Seniors were represented in the MD Senior Olympic Pickle qualifications by 33 athletes with 20 garnering medals. But registration and qualification deadlines are ongoing for many other athletic events. These events will serve as qualifiers for the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa. How many other potential Olympians are also Poolesville Seniors?
Check out these events at the Maryland Senior Olympics website if you are looking for some friendly competition, there is still time to qualify for more that 25 events: Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Billiards, Bocce, Bowling, Cornhole, 5K Cycling, Disc Golf, Diving, Golf, Horseshoes, Racquetball, 5K Run, 10K Run, Shuffleboard, Soccer 8v8, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track & Field & Walking Events, Volleyball, Wii Bowling. Download the guide:
https://mdseniorolympics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MSO-2024-MSO-Guide-FINAL.pdf