Tampa Bay Active Life Games Celebrate Competition and Connection

Older adults from Central Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, came together to celebrate fitness, friendly competition, and community during the closing ceremony of the 45th Annual Tampa Bay Active Life Games. Held Oct. 9 at Northdale Park and Recreation Center, the ceremony marked the end of nearly two weeks of athletic events that gave adults age 50 and older an opportunity to stay active, challenge themselves, and connect with others.

The celebration featured an Oktoberfest-themed lunch honoring participants, a special performance by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading Alumni, and photo opportunities for athletes to commemorate their accomplishments and time together. For many participants, the Games were about more than winning medals. They offered a chance to build friendships, pursue personal goals, and discover new ways to stay physically and mentally active.

"I liked it all," said Nancy Feldhaus. "I thought it was a great way to meet other people and learn what they're doing out in the community."

Age is no barrier to competition

This year's Games demonstrated that staying active and pursuing new challenges can be a lifelong goal. Participants ranged in age from 50 to 103, highlighting the wide variety of participants in the competition.

At 103 years old, Thomas Bonaparte showed age is no barrier to participating in the Games. For Bonaparte, one of the most rewarding aspects of the event is seeing people come together.

"It's marvelous really," said Bonaparte.

At 92 years old, Pat Margas also demonstrated the importance of staying active and engaged.

"For myself and the group I was with, we all enjoyed it so much," said Margas. "Even though we were not as good as the other people, we just had so much fun."

Organized by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation in partnership with the City of Tampa Parks & Recreation, the annual Games welcome adults with a variety of athletic backgrounds and abilities. Participants can compete in events suited to their interests and experience, whether they are longtime athletes or simply looking for a fun way to try something new.

A sport for every interest

The two-week competition offered a variety of individual and team events, giving participants opportunities to test their skills, learn new activities, and enjoy friendly competitions.

This year's lineup included:

• Bag toss
• Basketball
• Billiards
• Bowling
• Darts
• Horseshoes
• Lawn bowling
• Pickleball
• Shuffleboard
• Track and field

Event organizers say the Active Life Games encourage older adults to find activities they enjoy while working toward personal fitness goals. Regular physical activity can help older adults maintain strength, mobility, balance, and overall well-being. Participating in group activities also creates opportunities to socialize, build relationships, and remain connected to the community.

For Bill Castens, a longtime participant of the Games, it's a great way to get seniors involved.

"When you give seniors something to do, they meet other people in similar situations. They bond," said Castens. "You'll be amazed at how much it can change a person."

A chance to advance to the Florida Senior Games

For participants interested in taking their athletic pursuits further, the Tampa Bay Active Life Games also serve as a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games. Athletes have the opportunity to qualify for the state-level competition, giving them another goal to work toward beyond the local Games.

Whether competing for a medal, trying a new sport, or connecting with friends, the Games demonstrate the value of staying engaged and active at every stage of life.

"The event was really inspiring," said Kathy Dunsmore. "To see people being active in their 80s and beyond, it was really cool."

Discover more services and resources offered by Hillsborough County Aging Services aimed at enhancing quality of life for residents aged 50 and older.