The deadline to sign up is Sept. 12
Mary May, of Zephyrhills, has numerous athletic accomplishments under her belt.
She is the first-ever cheerleader director and choreographer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Football League team. She was also inducted in the National Football Cheerleaders Alumni Organization (NFCAO) hall of fame.
However, come September, May is known for her athletic excellence in the Tampa Bay Active Life Games.
May, 86 years young, practices all year to compete in the games. She favors darts, billiards, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and sometimes basketball. More often than not, she places in the competitions.
Though May often excels in the games, she is quick to note that participants need not be experienced athletes to appreciate the sporting and social aspects of the events.
"It just makes you feel good to be part of a group that's having a good time. It's just all fun and games, and you don't have to be good at it to just enjoy it," May explained.
Over 40 years of games
The 44th Annual Active Life Games are organized by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation to promote physical and mental fitness. The event began in the 1980s and offers a variety of contests for all skill and fitness levels.
Some of the more popular competitions include track and field, shuffleboard, pickleball, billiards, and horseshoes.
Individual competitions are held over two weeks, from Sept. 29 through Oct. 10, at a variety of locations across Hillsborough County.
Registration for the games is open now through Friday, Sept. 12. Participants can register online.
Athletes pay a $25 fee to compete in a single day of games or $35 for multiple days of games.
In the past few years, over 400 athletes have registered to compete annually. Competitors are 50 years old and up. Some athletes are in their 90s.
In addition to being a lot of fun and a great way to stay in shape, the Active Life Games serve as a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games.
A complete schedule of events can be found online.
In May's words, "Come out and enjoy the camaraderie. You're never too old to play."