More the 640 seniors from across the state laced up their sneakers Wednesday for a chance to compete in the 30th annual Georgia Golden Olympic games in Warner Robins.
Marsha Buzzell, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the four days of athletic events create a $650,000 economic impact for the city and an invaluable amount of fun for seniors.
The senior competitors range in age from 50 years and up.
Event organizer, Mary Ealer, said the compeition started early Wednesday with a horse shoe toss, archery tournament, track and field events, volleyball and many more events.
The games continue through Saturday at 1 p.m., with a parade of the athletes Thursday evening at 6 p.m. It starts at Southside Baptist Church off Houston Lake Road in Warner Robins.
The events are hosted by the Warner Robins Recreation Department, with many of the games taking place at city facilities. Others are located at venues throughout Houston County.
Medal winners in all the sports who meet some standard criteria, can advance to the National Senior Games in Cleveland, Ohio.
Some folks said they came out for the competition, but for the most part, they say it's about staying active and enjoying the social aspects of the games.
Will Smith from Carrollton said, "The atmosphere was great. I'm talking about great. I met people I never met before. I'm just jubilated over it!"
New events to the line-up this year include a race-walk and the Nintendo Wii bowling tournament.