Lifelong Learners are set to compete in the second swim meet hosted by the Physical Education department at Sinclair Community College.
Lifelong Learners on campus are known as those who are 65 years of age and older, according to Tanja Resch-Jillson, staffing director of the swim meet.
“This swim meet is an amazing opportunity for Sinclair’s Lifelong Learners to engage in a formal athletic competition,” Matthew Rose, marketing director of the meet said.
The swim meet is part of a class project that students in the Exercise Science program take part in. The goal of the swim meet is to give participants a chance to be involved and feel connected on campus.
“It’s a way for them to get involved in an extra curricular activity, more or less because we as students have a lot of Sinclair Talks and other events that are catered to us,” Alley Wagoner, director of the swim meet and Exercise Science major said.
Rose said the swim meet promotes the Lifelong Learners demographic on campus.
“They bring food and make it into a big event,” Resch-Jillson said. “It’s a social event — it makes them feel more a part of the college.”
Last year they had 30 participants and were very competitive and enthusiastic about the opportunity, according to Wagoner and Resch-Jillson.
This year’s swim meet is luau themed and will take about two hours, with an after party to follow.
Wagoner said it is a friendly competition and socializing event for all those involved, including spectators.
“Our dean will come to spectate, she really enjoys this too,” Wagoner said.
Resch-Jillson said any Lifelong Learner currently in a physical education course can register for the event, which is open until April 1.
“It doesn’t need to be swimming, it can be strength training, it can be yoga,” she said. “As long as there are physically taking a physical education class, they can register for the swim meet.”
The Swim meet is scheduled for April 15 from 10 a.m. to noon in the basement of Building 8 in the pool area.
Those interested in registering can contact Nila Peavy at (937) 512-2342.
“We get to make something for them to enjoy — something they will remember,” Wagoner said.