Polk Senior Games is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, meaning it is designated by the IRS as a charitable cause, is exempt from federal income tax and can accept tax-deductible donations. Funding for the Games is raised through entry fees, sponsorships and donations.
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INFORMATION ABOUT US
Entry fees have been kept low thanks to the generosity of our major sponsors.
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Gold Sponsor
16th year as sponsor
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Bronze Sponsors
JAMES W. SIKES
FAMILY
15th year as sponsor
6th year as sponsor
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3rd year as sponsor
Web Services Provided byThe Palas Group, L.L.C.
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MISSION
Polk Senior Games provides an annual event of competitive athletic and recreational events for men and women 50 years and over. The Games promote an active, healthy lifestyle, an interest in sports, and volunteerism. The Games offer something for everyone - the serious competitor, the fun at heart, the seasoned athlete, and the physically challenged.
HISTORY
Nancye Thornberry of Lakeland was inspired to start senior games in Polk County after watching her 70-year old brother compete in the National Senior Games. In 1991, with the support of local businesses, county & city governments, and community leaders, Polk Senior Games was organized as a public charity with the purpose of providing an annual series of competitive athletic and recreational events for men and women, ages 55 and over. The minimum age changed to 50 in 1997. In November 1992, 200 volunteers presented the first annual Polk Senior Games with 777 seniors competing in 15 sports and games. Over the last fourteen years, Polk Senior Games has grown along with the age group it serves. In 2007, 2,467 seniors participated in 35 sports and games presented by a salaried Executive Director, a 50 member Board of Directors and over 400
event volunteers.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Deena Wilbur has worked for Polk Senior Games since 1993 and serves on the Florida State Senior Games Advisory Committee.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors whose volunteer members are community and business leaders, recreation professionals, competitors and interested citizens. Most board directors are seniors and have a variety of lifetime experiences and abilities. They value their commitment to the success of the Games.
Dick Cheney, President
Dee Oeters, 1st Vice President
Chuck Gugino, 2nd Vice President
Jean Eissman, Treasurer
David Reich, Secretary
Howard Wiggs, Past President
Rudy Gittens, Member at Large
Larry Powell, Member at Large
Bill Hanna, Event Coordinator
Jim Barry
Theresa Bright – Publix Super Markets
B J Brock
Frank Brooks
Frank Butler
Greg Chambless – Publix Super Market
Nancy Christy
J J Corbett
Cheryl Dee
Diane DiMonaco
Johann Emory
Marie Gouldsbury
Louise Graham
Helen Grieshaber
Dennis Guenther - Ft Meade Leisure
Mimi Hardman
Mildred Hawk
Sandy Jones
Tom McLaughlin - Publix Super Markets
Tom Mizell
Grace Page
Cele Pederson
Joan Pendry
Larry Powell
Diane Quinn
David Reich
Debbie Ross
Lisa Schlagel – Winter Haven Hospital
Chris Sikes - James W. Sikes Family
Bob Smith
Chas Smith – CPS Investment Advisors
Susan Smith
Willie Speed
Betty Stephens
Barbara Sweeney
George Tinsley
Ruth Warnick
Harry White
Pearle Williams
Helen Wiper
VOLUNTEERS
Polk Senior Games is an exciting and large event. For 16 days, over 2,400 seniors compete in 85 events held in locations throughout Polk County. Over 400 volunteers are needed and come from parks & recreation departments, civic organizations, businesses, senior communities, recreation clubs, schools, and private citizens.
There are opportunities to help in all facets of the Games - distributing posters and brochures, soliciting door prizes, event check-in and refreshments, sport timers and monitors, health and safety personnel, and more.
All volunteers receive a T-shirt and a Volunteer Information Newsletter. However, most importantly, they receive the good feelings they get when they make a difference in other people’s lives by giving the gift of their time and contributing to healthy aging.
You will be inspired, motivated, and appreciated as a volunteer with Polk Senior Games. If you would like to help and be involved in a very special project, please call 863-533-0055 or email polkseniorgames@verizon.net for more information.
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