Rapides Senior Citizens’ Centers, Inc. sponsor and fiscal agent for Central District Senior Olympic Games (CDSOG) received a $25,000 grant from The Rapides Foundation. The grant was awarded to encourage healthy behavior by promoting and improving opportunities for older adults in the CDSOG area to engage in exercise activities to prepare for the Senior Olympics competition on May 3rd through 18th. The grant funds will be used to promote the games and challenge seniors in Central Louisiana to increase their physical activity by competing in the senior games. Volunteers from various athletic fields will hold clinics and assist with promoting the games through May.
The Rapides Senior Citizens Center Board of Directors and management staff thanks Greg Baker, who was instrumental in seeking the grant. Also identified was the valuable assistance of Jan Haworth in writing the grant. Greg is an Olympian that has participated in the district games, the Louisiana State Senior Olympic Games and has qualified to participate for the National Senior Games Competition. His vision was to develop a massive publicity campaign throughout the Cenla area about the opportunities that the games offer older adults. Greg’s desire was to also outreach other individuals like him and encourage their involvement in the area of competitive sports, which is a vital catalyst for remaining active and incorporating exercise throughout the year to be in preparation for the competitions.
Through the collaborative efforts of Greg, Jan and RSCC management staff, the team developed a plan and submitted the grant. The amount awarded for the grant was $24,900, of which $19,135 will be used to develop a media publicity campaign about the Senior Games. The remaining funds in the amount of $5,765 will be used to purchase equipment for the games. CDSOG is funded with local sponsors and underwriters from the Rapides Parish area.
The Central District Senior Olympic Games will be held May 3rd through 18th. Competition is open to those 50+ in the following areas: Baggo, Bowling, Cycling, Golf, Pickleball, Shuffleboard, Track & Field, Washer Pitch, Billiards, Chess, Cultural Events, Horseshoes, Shooting, Swimming, Walk-A-Thon and many more!
If you are interested in participating in an event, learning more about the competition opportunities, volunteering to help, or sponsoring an event, call Rapides Senior Citizens’ Centers at (318) 487-1561.
