Sports for seniors

Annual game week kicks off in March

The city of Hallandale Beach is kicking off its Senior Championships for folks 50 and older on March 13. Events run through the week untilMarch17.

From romping outdoors to gathering around a table, everyone will find an activity they enjoy, said Cathie Schanz, director of the Hallandale Beach Parks and Recreation Department.

“We have a good mix of residents and non-residents, male and female, so it’s a good opportunity to get out there and meet some new people and have a little fun,” Schanz said.

During the 2016 games, 150 people enrolled in 181matches.

Tennis is themost popular event, she said. With mixed doubles and men’s and women’s doubles, players can participate in a number of games.

Mahjong tops the demand for those who prefer to stay indoors.

Divisions are also offered in basketball, billiards, bocce, bowling, bridge, croquet, cultural ats, horseshoes, miniature golf, pickleball, poker, scrabble, shuffleboard and table tennis.

Locations vary between the Cultural Community Center, Golden Isles Tennis Center, Holiday Lanes Bowling and city parks.

“On the last day, everyone who registered for at least one event is invited to an awards breakfast. And we sell extra tickets for guests,” Schanz said.

Medals for first, second and third place in each sport are awarded. Everyone goes home with a certificate for participating and keeps an event T-shirt.

“It’s a lot of fun. Everyone has a good time with it,” Schanz said.

Registration is accepted by mail at City of Hallandale Beach, Parks & Recreation, Cultural Community Center, 410 SE 3rd St., Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, or in person at any city park facility. Final registration day is March 6. Cost for residents (with proof ) is $5 per event; $7 for non-residents. After Feb. 28, all events are $10.

For more information, call 954-457-1452 or visit www.CoHB.org/Parks.