Many senior citizens, continuing their athletic pursuits, have scheduled to test their competitive spirits at the upcoming Delaware County Senior Games.

“The games are a great opportunity to spend time with people your own age and compete,” said Wallingford resident William Hushion.

He has participated previously in the Senior Games while amassing medals in basketball, mini golf and track and field.

Taking place from June 12 to June 22, the “never too old to play” themed games are being conducted for the 22nd year.

The Senior Games are being provided under the leadership of the Delaware County Council in conjunction with Delaware County Parks and Recreation and the Delaware County Office on Aging.

“The Delaware County Senior Games encourages residents to be socially and physically active throughout the year,” said Delaware County Council Chairman Tom McGarrigle. “Residents who participate in the games build solid friendships. Those friendships and activities help our seniors maintain a healthy level of physical and mental fitness.”

Glenolden resident, Kathleen Clair, recently participated in the 2012 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring Championship and is looking forward to her fifth year of participation in the games.

“I’m always a bit embarrassed by my swimming achievements, but I am happy to promote it for Delaware County Council, the Senior Games, and any individual who might want to get involved but is afraid to compete,” she said. “It’s all about the fun.”

At the spring championships in Greensboro, N.C., in April, Clair placed 11th in the 200 breast stroke, 18th in the 100 breast and 20th in the 500 freestyle.

“Getting older doesn’t mean the juices stop flowing,” said Clair, a teacher at Interboro High School. “A lot of people who reach 50 think their life is behind them. They only talk about the past. It’s sad when you meet individuals who don’t have a motivating force.”

This year’s games will feature the introduction of pickleball, a game combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis while played with a paddle and wiffle ball. Other more traditional sports including basketball, golf, tennis, track and field, shuffleboard and a Nintendo Wii bowling tournament will be hosted at venues throughout the county.

More than 500 seniors, volunteers and supporters will occupy, among other facilities, the Springton Tennis Club in Newtown Square, Sproul Lanes in Springfield and Sun Valley High School in Aston.

Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in every age category and all participating seniors and volunteers receive a free Senior games T-shirt. In addition, all medalists and volunteers are invited to the Winner’s Circle Reception hosted at the Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center in Drexel Hill.

Delaware County Council values its senior citizens and is dedicated to providing information, referrals and resources that can be of valuable assistance to our seniors.

Through the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), the council is committed to helping seniors who need assistance in maintaining their independence, dignity and quality of life.

Council encourages senior citizens, their families and their caregivers to contact COSA when they have a question, concern or problem.

To register for the Delaware County Senior Games visit www.delcoseniorgames.org.