The Senior Games are a series of senior sports competition, aimed at those over 50, which take place each year in different locations around the world. These games are dedicated to motivating men and women over 50 years old to have healthy lifestyles and to make physical fitness a way of life, not an occasional hobby. The World Senior Games have been held annually in the United States since 1987, while the European Games have been established in Europe in more recent years. National senior games events are also organised in some countries. 

Members of the Third Age Foundation regularly take part in these events. For example, in 2006, our members travelled to Newcastle Upon Tyne, England to participate in the European Senior Games programme there. A team of 13 older athletes from Summerhill Active Retirement Group, older people ranging in age from 50 to 90, had the opportunity to compete in a wide range of events, activities and challenges, which included walking, cycling, water sports, archery, rock climbing, abseiling, swimming, high wire, boules, croquet, boating, giant chess and draughts, traditional games, dance, and golf. Also included in this programme were arts and crafts, gentle exercise routines, dance and movement to music, tai chi, aquafit, complimentary therapy, yoga and singing work shops.

Prior to the event the Summerhill Athletes underwent a serious training programme. Many were seen cycling and walking the high roads and byroads of Summerhill, in anticipation and preparation for this forthcoming event. Our athletes competed against hundreds of older people from seven countries across Europe, including France, Scotland, Austria, Turkey, Denmark, England and Wales.