Click the TV screen to see the brand new Senior Games video hosted by County Council Chairman Jack Whelan.

Delaware County Senior Games competitors, from left, Joe Degenova, Tom VanFossen, Barry Haines, Team Sponsor/Manager Jim Rudolph, Charlie Boyle, Team Captain Lou Perrotta, Robert Boyle and Tom Broyles will go for the gold in billiards, competing as the Pocket Pirates of Folsom. The 2011 Delaware County Senior Games will run June 14-24 at venues throughout the County. For more information, call (610) 891-4663 or visit www.delcoseniorgames.org

For some senior citizens, retirement means sleeping late, traveling and cleaning out the attic. But for others, retirement means an active lifestyle jam-packed with sports, volunteering and socializing with fellow seniors.

For those active seniors, the 2011 Delaware County Senior Games is the ticket for physical fitness, socialization and community engagement.

The Delaware County Senior Games, set for June 14-24 at venues throughout the County, is dedicated to ensuring that people 50 and older have an opportunity for fitness, fellowship and Olympic-style competition.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania is among the grayest states. Residents are living longer and healthier lives. The Delaware County Senior Games are proof of that.

 Delaware County Council sponsors the Senior Games to encourage residents 50 and older to stay fit and have fun while competing in sporting events such as golf, bowling, tennis, basketball, swimming and track & field. Some of those competitors test their mental and physical acuity by competing in billiards.

Registration for the games is $10 and is open to all Delaware County residents 50 and older.

"The Delaware County Senior Games encourages residents to stay socially and physically active throughout the year," Delaware County Council Chairman Jack Whelan said. "Residents who participate in the games build solid friendships. Those friendships and activities help our seniors maintain a healthy level of physical and mental fitness."

While most athletes are familiar with the popular sporting events of swimming, golf, and tennis, the 2011 Senior Games also features billiards, an activity that is both physically and mentally engaging.

Think about it: Every time you crack open a rack — whether it be 8-ball or 9-ball, straight pool or 10-ball — there are approximately a bazillion possible layouts. You could play pool for decades and never see two tables that are exactly the same.

Just ask Jim Rudolph, team "manager" of the Pocket Pirates, a billiards team that plays regularly at the Schoolhouse Senior Center in Ridley Township.

The Pocket Pirates billiards crew of Rudolph, Joe Degenova, Tom VanFossen, Barry Haines, Charlie Boyle, Lou Perrotta, Robert Boyle and Tom Broyles will compete for medals along with 500 local athletes in the 2011 Senior Games.

Rudolph, 80, of Ridley Township, is the proud sponsor of the Pocket Pirates and looks forward to the team’s second year of competing in the Senior Games. He said one of the benefits of the billiards group is camaraderie.

"Some of these guys are alone, without a spouse or loved one nearby, and they get together, and they really smile," said Rudolph. "You know getting old is tough. But the cheering and the rooting for each other and just watching these guys smile and play is worth every minute."

Rudolph does not play on the team but acts as the team manager and handles the registration and donation of the team’s embroidered shirts.

"I’m here as their biggest fan," said Rudolph. "The fellowship they have with one another and the opportunity to be on a team means more to these ten gentlemen then people realize. Suddenly they have a personal purpose and a meaningful outlet."

Team Captain Lou Perrotta calls Rudolph an "inspiration and motivation" behind the close-knit group. Perrotta said the Senior Games are an opportunity to challenge seniors to do their best, both physically and mentally.

When asked to comment on his table-running strategy, Perrotta said he "thinks three balls ahead."

"When I’m watching the best players, I like to think about my own decision making, techniques, tactics and rhythm. Think ahead. To be exact, think three balls ahead — always."

Whether it’s for the fun, friendship or sports competition, there are many reasons for County residents to come out for the 2011 Senior Games. Volunteers are also needed to serve as timers, score keepers, organizers, even cheerleaders.

Co-chairmen for the 2011 Delaware County Senior Games are Marc Manfre, County Director of Parks and Recreation, and Stephen Gamble, Deputy Director for the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA).

Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in every age category and all participating seniors and volunteers receive a free Senior Games T-shirt. In addition, all medalists and volunteers are invited to the Winner’s Circle Reception, July 7 at the Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center located in Drexel Hill.

To volunteer for the Senior Games, contact Theresa Butts, at (610) 872-1215 or send an email to buttst@co.delaware.pa.us.

Registration forms to compete in the Senior Games are available at the County Parks Department in Rose Tree Park, at local libraries and senior centers, and on the County website at www.co.delaware.pa.us.

For additional information visit the Senior Games website at www.delcoseniorgames.org or call the Senior Games hotline at (610) 891-4663.