Time to Get on Mark for Senior Olympics

Swifter, higher, stronger . . . older.

For those who believe the Olympic motto could use the extra word, the first Orange County Senior Games will run Oct. 10-18.

But organizers warn the registration deadline for prospective athletes is Saturday.

Participants can compete in 14 events: badminton, basketball, billiards, handball, lawn bowling, ocean canoeing and kayaking, shuffleboard, softball, surfing, swimming, tennis, table tennis, track and field and volleyball.

Anyone in good health at least 50 years old on Oct. 10 is eligible to compete. Registration is $25 per person, plus a fee for each sport.

The games’ Opening Ceremonies will start with a senior health fair Oct. 10 at South Coast Medical Center, 31872 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. The fair, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include free flu shots and screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and other medical conditions.

On Oct. 17, Rafer Johnson, gold medalist in the decathlon at the 1960 Olympic Games, will speak before the track and field events. The noon ceremony will be at the Saddleback College Track Stadium, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, and Johnson will be available for photographs and autographs afterward.

Information: South Coast Medical Center, (949) 499-7202.