The 43rd George Hermann Western Illinois Senior Olympics will be held from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, April 25 and from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Western Illinois University.

George Hermann founded the Western Illinois Senior Olympics in the Fall of 1980, organized the first regional games in the Spring of 1981 and served as the state coordinator for the Illinois Regional Senior Olympics for 23 years. George assisted with and participated in the Western Illinois Senior Olympics every chance he could and will be fondly missed at the games. WIU and the Senior Olympics committee renamed the games in his honor in 2018.

The Senior Olympics provides athletes with the opportunity to test their skills in a competitive, yet friendly, arena that will recognize them for their preparation, performance and continued desire to lead a healthy lifestyle. It will encourage participants to meet new people with similar goals and interests, with hopes of expanding their network of friends while showcasing their talents in front of an audience of fellow competitors, friends and volunteers.

Participants must be 50 or older by Dec. 31, 2024, to be eligible to participate in the Senior National Games. There will be separate categories for men and women in five-year age groups. Any senior athlete residing in the United States will be eligible to participate.

The final deadline for entries and shirt orders is Friday, April 11. The entry fee is $10 for one event or $15 if entering two or more events. Participants can purchase a T-shirt for $20 or a polo shirt for $25 (add $1.50 for an XXL shirt or $2.50 for XXXL).

Ribbons will be awarded immediately after the completion of an event to the participants (male/female) who finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age category.

For more information and to register for the event, visit www.wiu.edu/coehs/healthwellness/seniorolympics/#_blank

For questions, contact Tamara Bories at tl-bories@wiu.edu or leave a message at (309) 298-1981.