Kristie Larsen Fitness Challenge for Seniors 2025…

The Arizona LeadingAge Foundation Kristie Larsen Fitness Challenge for Seniors is a friendly competition among Arizona LeadingAge community residents ages 65 and over. Each community is limited to 19 athletes.  They must be residents of an Arizona LeadingAge Community.

Enjoy these medal events:
Wii Bowling
Basketball Bounce
Cornhole 
Obstacle Course ~ Men & Women
1/2 Mile Walk ~ 65 to 74 - Men & Women, 75 to 84 - Men & Women, 85 and Over - Men & Women

 2025 Schedule of Events

Time	Event	Location
8:30 – 9:00 am	Athlete check in by Wellness Coordinators	Lobby
9:00 - 9:30am	Athlete Event Practice	Gym Indoor Track Skating Rink
9:30 – 10:00 am	Torch Entrance AZ LeadingAge Welcome Opening Prayer Pledge of Allegiance National Anthem	Gym
10:15 – 11:15 am	Round 1 Events: Basketball Bounce Cornhole .5 Mile Walk Round One Wii Bowling Round One	Gym Gym Indoor Track Skating Rink
11:15 – 11:30 am	Team Event: Obstacle Course	Gym
11:30 – 12:15 pm	Round 2 Events: Basketball Bounce Cornhole .5 Mile Walk Round Two Wii Bowling Round Two	Gym Gym Indoor Track Skating Rink
12:15 – 1:00 pm	Box Lunch Trivia (FUN non-medal)	Skating Rink
1:00 - 1:30 pm	Closing Ceremony Medal Presentation AZ LeadingAge Thank you	Skating Rink

 

Events Information and Rules

Wii Bowling: Location – Skating Rink
Limit – 3 Athletes from each Community. 3 Winners.

Three TV's will constantly have Wii bowling games going. There will be a fourth TV that will allow the athletes to practice one game before their competition.

Rules:

1. Each player will play one whole Wii bowling game on their own.
2. Distance between TV and player is a minimum of 7 feet away.
3. One practice round is available for participants on a separate designated TV
4. In case of a tie, players will play against each other another game and the highest score wins.
5. Unsportsmanlike conduct is grounds for disqualification.

 

.5 Mile Walk: Age Groups: 65 to 74, 75 to 84, 85 and Over - Men & Women
Location – Indoor Track
Limit – 12 athletes from each community

Rules:

1. This is a "walking" competition – absolutely no running and no motorized assistance. Walkers and canes are allowed. For your safety "NO HEADPHONES ALLOWED."
2. Running or unsportsmanlike conduct is grounds for disqualification.
3. 5 walkers will line up at the starting line.
4. Starting announcement for each group - "On your mark, get set, GO!"
5. A group of 5 walkers will be sent at a time.
6. 1 volunteer will be assigned per athlete to keep track of their laps and time.
7. Stop watch/timer is needed for every volunteer.
8. Clip board with every participants name (roster) and space to write down start/end time for completing the .5 mile - one copy for each volunteer.

Basketball Bounce:
Location – Gym

Limit – 6 athletes from each community

Rules:

• 1 standard size basketball- The standard size of a basketball in the NBA is 29.5 to 29.875 inches (74.93 to 75.88 cm) in circumference.
• 1 Brute 44 Gallon Trash Can (31.5 in. High/24 in diameter), heavy duty, professional grade

How to play the game-

1. Standing/sitting line will be 7 feet away from the front of the trash can
2. The Athlete must bounce the ball one time prior to landing in trash can
   
3. Each athlete is allowed 10 bounce opportunities to make a basket
   
4. Winner will have the highest number of baskets out of the ten tries.
   
5. In case of a tie, each athlete will play again with only 5 attempts for a new score to break the tie

Obstacle Course: Men & Women
Location – Gym
6 athletes per community

Rules:
A demonstration will be done prior to the start of each round of competition. Athletes navigate a series of challenges while being timed.  Team start time and end time will be recorded by volunteer.  See attached diagram for specifics including:

1. Station #1
   Blaze Pods
   Blaze Pods for time. Tap 10 times successfully to end the station. Lay baton on table when done. Station 2 athlete will pick up baton from the table.
2. Station #2
   Ladder Drill
   2 feet must step into each rung of the ladder. If you touch perimeter of ladder you will have to restart. Hand the baton to the next team member.
   
   
3. Station #3
   Step Ups
   Using a step aerobics bench with 2 risers ~ one on each side (6inch risers) 
   Step up and down 10 times with either foot being the "lead" foot
   1 = up, up, down, down
   
   
4. Station #4 
   Ring Drill
   The Athlete will step one foot into each of the 8 large rings. Rings will be side by side and must be 1 foot apart. Hand the baton to the next team member.
   
   
5. Station #5
   Sit to Stand in chair.
   Must fully sit in the chair and fully stand to count as one. Hand the baton to the next team member.
6. Station #6
   Soccer Ball Kick
   

   Kick seven soccer balls 15 feet away into the net. They need to make four soccer balls in.

Baton will be placed on Blaze Pod table when Athlete completes station #6. Stopwatch will end when the baton is placed on table.

Obstacle Course Video - In process of updating to moving to soccer ball from Station #1 to Station