AARP Florida Sponsors Wisdom Warrior Challenge

The Wisdom Warriors Challenge is a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire seniors to live an active, healthy lifestyle. WWC is an annual national track event catered to adults aged 55-105. Aimed at encouraging physical activity and ceasing myths about active aging individuals. 

Lookout for communities across Florida to host track events for older adults in the month of April. The event is free for all participants and promotes maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  

The Wisdom Warrior Challenge began with 19 seniors training together for a local 5k and has since grown to more than 1,000 participants nationwide. The competition is split into various distances and age ranges, including a wheelchair division. Participants can walk, jog, or even skip; There is truly something for everyone to get involved in and enjoy.  

85 year-old participant, Harriett Zbiegien, is a returning Wisdom Warrior Challenge participant. Zbiegen shared her favorite part of the race and the importance of moving. 

“My favorite part is watching everyone get out on the walking trail practicing together and of course the competition, I feel it’s important to get people moving and out in the fresh air,” Zbiegien said. “I have some health concerns so I’m not as fast as last year but it’s important to keep moving.” 

2020 medal winner, 83-year-old Chuck Sawicki, also shared his favorite aspect of his participation in the annual event and the significant impact it has had on his overall health. 

“The best part about participating in the Wisdom Warrior Challenge is the fun you have getting in shape, improving your balance so you don’t fall (a risk for older adults) and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance,” Sawicki said. “I have maintained my physical activity level since the initial event. It made a lasting change in my life.” 

AARP Florida volunteer and Wisdom Warrior Challenge founder, Linda Borgmeyer, shared her journey through successfully adapting to the pandemic and excitement for inspiring others this year. 

“When we held the first Wisdom Warrior Challenge in 2020, we were tasked with negotiating the uncharted terrain of an epidemic. We successfully pulled it off despite the obstacles and everyone remained safe. We changed the lives of 100 athletes and the minds of hundreds of observers. The athletes took control of their health and added a new dimension to their version of aging. It was inspirational and the effect was lasting. The 2023 event has 10 times more athletes and 10 times more observers. I look forward to sharing the story of unlimited potential and empowerment as the athletes demonstrate to themselves and others that they are in control of the next chapter of their lives,” Borgmeyer said.  

Upon crossing the finish line, each participant receives a swag bag and is recognized at the award ceremony. Before the month ends, all communities will tally up points, share rankings, and celebrate the winning community. 

The 2023 Wisdom Warriors Challenge is set to kick off this coming Saturday, April 1, at 9:00 a.m. at the Villaggio Social Club, 6935 Via Bernardi Lake Worth, Florida. 

Additionally, there is a community event being held at Jupiter High School on Saturday, April 15, that is open to all. This team has a great mix of ages with the majority of participants between 55 and 75 years old. Click the link below to sign up:  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVSKNzEB2hEelV5H9ZjIV_sZH-YBVZ4ez8hABCc7kXXgjo2Q/viewform 

Be sure to visit https://www.wisdomwarriorchallenge.org/ for event dates and latest updates.