Join Team AARP for Senior Olympics in May

At first, Laura Blase had little interest in participating in individual events at last year’s St. Louis Senior Olympics. She came out only to partner with her brother John, who was excited about the chance to throw a javelin again for the first time since college.

But Laura, 55, competed in the football toss and won. She was able to enter other events, taking home 11 medals in all. “It ended up being a blast,” she said. “We made a whole weekend of it.”

The Blase siblings will again be part of Team AARP at this year’s games, which take place Memorial Day weekend, May 26-31, at a dozen venues. Most events will be held at the Jewish Community Center. AARP in St. Louis will pay the registration fee for the first 100 members who sign up here or call 877-926-8300 toll-free.

Having AARP pick up the tab makes it a “no-brainer,” said John Blase, who turned 50 (the minimum age for participation) just in time for last year’s games.

And as Laura found out, you don’t have to revisit your old college sport to have a good time, with single and team competitions available in events such as bowling, badminton, cycling and swimming.

For a complete list of events, go to stlouisseniorolympics.org  — Alan Greenblatt