SARASOTA COUNTY– Registration is now open for the 37th annual Gulf Coast Games for Life, Senior Games. Open to amateur athletes aged 50 and older as of Dec. 31, 2026, the event features 16 competitions offering fun, fellowship and fitness opportunities in January and February, throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The games are a collaborative effort between Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, Manatee County Sports & Leisure Services and the City of North Port Parks and Recreation. The event kicks off with the 5K Road Race on Jan. 17, 2026, with additional events running from Jan. 24 through Feb. 21, 2026.

Additional Gulf Coast Games for Life events include basketball shooting, cycling, pickleball, rowing and paddling, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis and more. These games are designed to encourage and promote healthy lifestyles for Florida’s seniors and provide the opportunity to compete at the local, state and national levels.

A one-time registration fee of $13 is required which includes an event shirt, with an additional $4 fee for each event. Some events may also have an additional facility fee. The registration deadline is two weeks prior to each event date with the first event registration deadline on Jan. 3, 2026.

To register, please visit bit.ly/gcgflregister, call 941-861-PARK (7275) or print and mail the registration form from the Gulf Coast Games for Life Guide available at Sarasota County, Manatee County and the City of North Port government buildings.

Medals are awarded to the top three finishers in each age division. The Gulf Coast Games for Life are a qualifying event for the 2026 Florida Senior Games, which will be held in December 2026. The top five finishers per age group qualify to participate at the 2026 Florida Senior Games, apart from target shooting and rowing and paddling which are not offered at the Florida Senior Games.

For more information, call 311 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.