Paul Gatti, President of the DSO

Delaware Senior Olympics (DSO) is a volunteer, not for profit, and only Delaware organization that offers programs and activities for seniors that are focused on healthy aging and quality of life. These include Walk Delaware, Senior Group Challenge, and organized athletics highlighted by our annual games. We operate with a volunteer Board of Directors and a small staff located in the Modern Maturity Center in Dover.

We are a member of the National Senior Games Association (nsga), which holds national games every two years. In 2011, they will be held in Houston, Texas. Therefore, this year, 2010, is the qualifying year for those games. Qualifying years are always exciting. Delaware is an open state, which means out of state residents as well as Delawareans can qualify by way of our Delaware State games this year. Additionally, changes made to qualifying criteria by nsga will provide more opportunities to get to next year's national games.

Senior Group Challenge continues to grow. Through team fitness competition, we offer encouragement and opportunity for seniors to get off the couch and become more active. We are open to every senior group in Delaware to enroll and participate.

Walk Delaware participation is also up and provides individuals a vehicle to increase their physical activities, record it, and have it acknowledged and rewarded.

We are proud to announce our new Delaware Senior Olympics Membership Program. Annual membership will streamline the annual games entry process and eliminate the need to pay a registration fee to enter the games. And your membership will keep you in-touch and involved with the DSO even if you are not able to participate. Your new membership card will also give you access to discounts from vendors, and free Members-Only events.Please keep an eye on our website for updated lists of the vendors, clinics, and events.

Delaware Senior Olympics relies almost exclusively on volunteers to fulfill its mission. We welcome any help you may have to offer. We also need your support to sustain and expand our efforts presently directed at the Delaware mature adult community (ages50+). The wonderful thing about supporting the DSO is that your contribution will have a positive and direct effect on the health and well being of Delaware's fast-growing senior community.

You are invited to join with us in our pursuit of FUN, FITNESS, and FELLOWSHIP. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Paul