The Franklin County Silver Games, in their nineteenth year, will take place September 7th through 11th.  This year, the absolute deadline for applications is August 8th, and the overall entry fee is $8.00.  There are, however, additional fees to be charged on arrival at such activities as golf, bowling and power volleyball; these are explained on the official application form.

The Silver Games, open to anyone 50 years or older but not limited to Franklin County, are intended to offer healthful exercise, friendly competition and to generate new friendships.  This year, with energy and environmental issues at the forefront, the theme is to be “Save Our Planet.”  By tradition, gold, silver and bronze medallions will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in all events; age brackets for most events will be in five year increments, beginning at age 50 and continuing to beyond age 80.

As usual, the various activities will take place at different venues throughout Franklin County including Pacific, Sullivan and Washington, Missouri.  This year for instance, golf will tee off at Sullivan Country Club, billiards will take their cues at Washington Town and Country Lanes, and bowling at Pacific Lanes.  Swimming events will splash in at the Four Rivers YMCA on Sunday the 7th, and all track and field events will occur September 10th at the Pacific High School.  Closing day activities, featuring a picnic followed by dance competitions, will be on September 11th at Union City Park.

The Franklin County Silver Games, although generously sponsored, are every year in need of volunteer help.  Persons willing to volunteer, and anyone having questions about the activities, should phone: 314-308-9785.  The Silver Games committee, including some two dozen dedicated workers, is under the leadership of chairperson Becki Gillihan, second-chair Cherri Burke, secretary Betty Goodwin and Treasurer Tanya Bommarito.

A previous article on the 2008 Franklin County Silver Games can be found here: Franklin County Silver Games To Be Held September 7th-11th