ORONO – Registration has closed for the 17th National Veterans Golden Age Games, coming to Orono in August. The largest military veterans sports and recreation event for seniors, more than 500 veterans have registered to compete this year. At the 2002 Games in Los Angeles, 484 veterans participated.

Helping to prove that life can begin at 55, participants are 55 and above. Competitors will begin Aug. 7 and will continue through Aug. 12. All competitors are military veterans.

The games are co-sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The 2003 event will be hosted by the Togus VA Medical Center.

The site for the majority of the competitive events will be the University of Maine, Bangor, including swimming, croquet, table tennis, air guns, nine-ball and horseshoes as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. O

Other events, including bowling, bicycling and golf, will be held at Family Fun Center and the Sports Arena Bowling Alley, Orono High School athletic field and Bangor Municipal Golf Course.

Veterans from 27 states will participate. Local volunteers are still needed for a variety of duties during the games. To volunteer, call Jim Doherty at 621-4804.

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