PROVO — Coy Hale might be too old to learn new sports, but that doesn't mean that he won't keep playing the old ones that he enjoys, like ping-pong.
"You're never too old for anything," said the 69-year-old.
This summer, Hale will participate in Provo's Nu Skin Enterprises Provo Senior Games — an offshoot of the Huntsman World Senior Games that are held in St. George each October. Organizers hope to make it an annual event.
Both are geared to adults "ages 50 and better" who want to stay fit — whether or not they have the skills to match.
"(Our goal) is to give an opportunity for competition and exercise for those who have reached a point in life where the fun may have evaporated . . . because there is something in each of us that asks for activity, that asks for action," said Brigham Young University track coach Clarence Robison.
Horseshoe tossing — one of the eight events featured at the Senior Games — marked the inauguration of the sporting competition during a ceremony held Wednesday at Provo Rotary Park.
Westridge Elementary students watched as Nu Skin spokesman Jon Petersen tossed the first horseshoe, followed by other sponsors and Provo Mayor Lewis Billings.
At 47, Billings is a few years shy of the event's age requirement, but said he is training for future participation.
"There are some in our community that need Meals on Wheels," Billings said. "But there are many seniors that want to be active. They want to get about."
The games will be held at various Provo locations Aug. 25 through Sept. 2 and will feature everything from table tennis to basketball. A full list of events and information is available online at www.provofoundation.org.
The Provo Foundation is helping organize the event as part of an ongoing "senior initiative" that aims to meet the needs of a today's senior adults.
"Too many of us lead a sedentary life," said LeRoy Dennis, executive director of the Provo Foundation. "But if we can pique some interest with these games, we hope that we can get some people involved that otherwise might be inactive."
Medals will be awarded in each age division and sport, but all participants will qualify to be part of "Team Provo" at this year's Huntsman World Senior Games.
Those games have been held annually in Utah since 1987, though other senior "Olympic" games have been held around the United States and Canada since 1969.
More than 7,000 senior athletes turned out for the St. George event last year.
Robison doesn't expect to see those sorts of crowds for Provo's games, but he does promise a good time for athletes and spectators alike.
"This kind of competition is not going to be on a level where you can sell tickets," Robison said. "But I certainly hope it sells membership to all those involved."
E-mail: lwarner@desnews.com