The ninth annual Senior Olympics with the theme "A Day to Remember" will be hosted by Pleasant Hill Manor of Piketon. The day long event will take place at the Scioto County Fairgrounds on September 18th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It's expected there will be 67 long-term care facilities from a 15 county area.

"More than 1,200 people will gather in Southern Ohio to celebrate the event which is the largest gathering of nursing home residents in the state," Linda Slone, organizer of the Senior Olympics for nine years, said.

Many area nursing home residents will train in anticipation of the event for months.

"The games give seniors an opportunity to regain self-esteem and show the world, 'Yes, I am here, and I can do.' Words cannot describe the spirit and pride that are felt during the games and ceremonies," Slone said.

Olympians compete in six events; Checkers, Penny-Pitching, Basketball, Horseshoes, Bowling and Dominoes. Athletes are eligible to win medals and prizes, while the homes are eligible to win team prizes.

There are a wide range or prizes up for grabs throughout out the day. Each resident will receive a trophy for participating. The Angel Award, which debuted in 2001, gives every nursing home a chance to win one of 20 rocking chairs make possible by generous donors.

One of the key components of the Senior Olympics include the hundreds of volunteers that spend the day serving food, running games and cheering on athletes.

"This event has inspired an outpouring of community support in Southern Ohio," Slone noted.

Al Oliver will open the activities and games. Other activities include Horse and Buggy Rides Face painting, Balloons by Bobby the Clown, cornhole games and bingo.

For more information about the Senior Olympics, call Linda Slone at (740) 222-3337.