Over 250 seniors are getting active this weekend and competing in Mankato's first-ever Senior Games.
It's a four-day event brought to the area by The Greater Mankato Convention and Visitors Bureau.
When it comes to competitive sports many people think of young athletes, but these seniors are putting on their game face.
South Dakota Participant Ed McGaa says, "I'm 75 and I don't look it, and I can move quick as can be and old guys can't do that."
Event organizers say it's taken three years to bring the Minnesota Senior Games to Mankato.
The regional competition is part of the National Senior Games Association with events taking place across the country.
This weekend is packed with over 20 sports from table tennis to bowling, there's something for all ages and fitness levels.
Greater Mankato Convention and Visitors Bureau Tournament Sales Director Larissa Mrozek says, "We think its awesome how active these seniors are the senior games are for seniors 50 years and better, we have people from 50 years old all the way up to I think we have a 92 year old taking part of the track and field event tomorrow."
One of the most popular events this year is Pickle ball, which is a hybrid between tennis and table tennis played with a whiffle ball.
South Dakota Participant Ed McGaa says, "Pickle ball allows you to carrying on with your athletic ability and keep your health."
The pickleball courts were packed all day long with brackets filling up quick.
But game after game participants say didn't get sick of playing.
Iowa Participant Ron Stiers says, "You want to win here but you always have a good time... and if you lose you lose and you still congratulate you go onto the next game it's fun as heck."
A good time that brings youthful energy back to these seniors.
Event organizers plan to hold the Senior Games again in 2012, which will be a qualifying year for competitors.
The National Senior Games competition will take place in Houston next year.
Organizers say the majority of our participants are from out of town so they're hoping to get more local athletes next year.
