Registration is now open for the 2014 Cranston Senior Games presented by CVS/pharmacy. The Cranston Department of Senior Services welcomes all New England participants who are 55 years of age or older to join in this 19th annual competition, which includes various events scheduled Sept. 23-27.

Athletes can compete in multiple Olympic style events such as archery, cycling, swimming and track and field events. Bowling, bocce, 3-on-3 basketball, horseshoes, billiards, baggo, mind games, obstacle course, basketball throw, baseball throw and golf events are also available. All participants receive a T-shirt or golf towel, breakfast, lunch buffet and a seat at the awards banquet, while the top performers can win gold, silver or bronze medals in their events.

“We welcome senior athletes from across the region to our 19th annual senior games,” Cranston Mayor Allan Fung said. “Every September, our community gathers to embrace the dedicated efforts of these sports enthusiasts. I am especially proud of the generous spirit of our City employees who volunteer their time to make sure the Games experience is fun and professional. I am also grateful to CVS/pharmacy for their generous support of this endeavor over the years.”

Opening Ceremonies at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 will convene all Senior Games participants and their supporters at Cranston High School West for the parade of athletes and the lighting of the Senior Games Torch. Robert Tetreault and Doris Sword have been selected as the 2014 Torch Bearer and Torch Lighter, respectively.

Tetreault has been an active member of the Center since 2012, joining after the loss of his bride and at the persistence of his children to get him out of the house and engaged in the community. Tetreault is an avid billiards and bocce player, renowned ballroom dancer and a dedicated RSVP volunteer – providing companionship to patients at Slater Hospital and meticulously maintaining the billiards tables, daily, at the Center. He benefits from engaging in the physical activities provided through Senior Services, as they are “good for the back, legs, arms and mind.”

Tetreault enjoys socializing while dining on the delicious meals served at the Center and appreciates the services provided by the on site RN and CVS pharmacist.

“I am honored and quite excited to be chosen as this year’s Senior Games Torch Bearer,” he said. “My children are in awe of this acknowledgement of my efforts. It is a privilege to carry the torch for my peers.”

Sword joined the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center eight years ago, looking for camaraderie and activities to pass the time. She finds the membership and staff to be very friendly and accommodating. Sword participates in the Matter of Balance workshops and enjoys dining at the Center with her husband, Ralph. She particularly likes the convenience of the Snack Bar, where she can pick up nutritious ready-to-eat-meals and side dishes.

Sword is a key fundraiser for the Center, donating over 150 homemade baskets for event raffles over the past few years. She said the activity involved in creating the baskets helps to keep her fit. She roams various local shops looking for bargain items and themes for her creations, storing her finds on special shelves at her home.

“It is so nice to be recognized for my efforts,” Sword said. “I am surprised, delighted and honored to be the 2014 Senior Games Torch Lighter.”

Sword will be supporting and cheering on her husband at this year’s Senior Games, as he will be competing for a medal in the billiards tournament.

“For nearly two decades, hundreds of athletes have traveled to Cranston High School West in Cranston in the spirit of friendly competition,” Cranston Senior Services Executive Director Sue Stenhouse said. “Cranston Senior Games was founded to promote fun, sportsmanship and to educate the public on the spectrum of healthy activities available for older adults.”

Cranston Senior Services partners with local athletic venues such as the YMCA of Cranston, Tangy’s Archery, Cranston Country Club Golf Course, Legion Bowl, AMF Lang’s Lanes and the Santa Maria DiPrata Society Bocce Courts to provide the best facilities for participating athletes.

Those who are eligible and are looking to participate should visit the Senior Services page at www.cranstonri.com for all registration materials. The registration deadline is Sept. 12.

For more information about the 2014 Cranston Senior Games presented by CVS/pharmacy or to register, please call 401-780-6000 or email sstenhouse@cranstonri.org.