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Break out the Bengay and start those stretching routines. If you're a Minnesotan in the 50-99 age bracket, the 2008 Minnesota Senior Games wants YOU. In fact, even if you're not from Minnesota, you can compete too.

This year, competitors will face off July 21-25 at several venues in Alexandria. More than 400 athletes are expected to compete this year, not only to win a state medal, but also to qualify for next year's National Senior Games competition, to be held August 1-15, 2009 in the San Francisco Bay area.

Minnesota athletes will go at it in a variety of track and field events, three-on-three basketball, cycling, swimming, tennis and volleyball. But even if you're not Rafer Johnson, you'll probably find something you're interested in. Whether your sport is archery, badminton, billiards, bowling, golf, horseshoes, softball, table tennis, or yes, even bridge and shuffleboard, there's a competition for you.

Think you've got what it takes to win? Last year Robert Kranz of Apple Valley hit all 25 shots to win the 60-64 division competition in basketball free throwing. Herb Marth, a young 78-year-old from Plymouth, rolled a 590 series to win his age division's bowling medal. And, at age 70, Adrian Ledermann of Brandon took the gold medal in his age bracket, with a 14.5 second performance in the 100 meter race — a time that would have earned him the gold in the 50-54 bracket!

For more information and registration materials, see the Minnesota Senior Games Website or contact Fritz Bukowski, the state coordinator at 320-762-2868.

(Posted March 22, 2008)

UPDATE: For results of the 2008 games, go to the Website for Minnesota Senior Games and download the Excel spreadsheet from the link on the left side of the page.