In Westmoreland County, athletic competition isn't just for students and professional athletes.

At this week's countywide Senior Games, older adults will have the chance to show off their athletic prowess in events ranging from track and field to canoeing.

The county's Parks and Recreation Department has sponsored the games since 1983, giving seniors a chance to have fun while staying active.

Dan Carpenter, parks department program coordinator, said the county based the program on Senior Games held at the state and national level. Because of the county's demographics, the games took off immediately, he said.

"Our county is one of the most densely populated in the country with senior citizens," Carpenter said.

The 33 events, including swimming, bowling, archery, rowing and even horseshoes, run until May 16.

Anyone 50 or older can participate; a $10 registration fee covers attendance at all events, as well as an awards dinner.

Three North Huntingdon residents plan to compete this year. For Ken and Karen McDonough, the games are an event that they always look forward to with anticipation.

Ken McDonough first started going to the games in 1995, and Karen followed him a few years later. The two compete in a variety of events, and this year Karen was nominated for Sportswoman of the Year.

While the two enjoy the competition, they both said their favorite part of the games comes in the chance to spend time with seniors from all over the county.

"The fellowship is great; the people are super," said Ken McDonough.

The other competitors' determination and continued activity always inspire Karen McDonough.

"They're in wheelchairs and they're still playing horseshoes, shuffleboard and bocce," she said.

"There's a lot of eye-opening events," added Ken McDonough.

Karen McDonough said she met one woman in a swimming event whose arthritis almost kept her from putting her swimsuit on.

"But by golly she got in the water and she swam in her age group," she said.

While the two keep active in other ways, both said they like the opportunity to combine their exercise with meeting new people and seeing old friends. Ken McDonough also pointed out that the games' price couldn't be beat.

"That's the best ten bucks in town," he said with a laugh.

Rene Simica also plans to attend the games, her third year of competition. Although she recently had cataract surgery, Simica said she still plans to compete in whatever events she can.

"Hopefully that won't hold me back too much," she said.

A friend introduced her to the games, and Simica said friends keep her coming back. "There have been a lot of people that I've met through the games," she said.

"People are really nice. Everybody's just out to have a good time," she said.

Simica, who in past years has also participated in the statewide games, said the events motivated her to try new things, including rowing a canoe and throwing a shotput for the first time.

"I did things that I've never done before in my life," she said.

Most of the Senior Games events take place in Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant. Swim-ming events run at the Greensburg YMCA, and track and field events occur at Penn-Trafford High School.

Participants may register on-site for an additional $2. For more information, call 724-830-3950 or go online to www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/parks [1].