Virtual Sports Competitions Challenge Cape Coral Residents

A retirement community in Cape Coral has thrown down the gauntlet and invited other communities to compete in fun virtual contests that are just as competitive as the real thing.

Sherie Saidon, lifestyles coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, has invited residents from other retirement communities for a Wii bowling tournament - complete with awards, trophies and lunch - next month.

"We're looking forward to it," Saidon said. "It's going to be competitive, but a lot of fun."

In the meantime, Gulf Coast Village residents are honing their skills in preparation.

During a recent game there, the player on the screen served the ball, hitting into the near court.

But resident Del Burgess hit the return too hard, and the ball landed outside the line.

The next shot was more successful, and Burgess scored a point. The crowd on the screen in the Wii game went wild. Burgess' real-life friends provided more subdued encouragement.

"Good job," said Melissa Wallace, wellness director at Gulf Coast Village.

Wallace introduced the residents to the Nintendo Wii video game system in March 2008.

"We've gotten a great response," Wallace said.

Instead of joysticks, the Nintendo Wii uses remotes that players fasten around their wrists. The player usually stands while playing, and actions he or she makes with the remote are mimicked on screen.

The Wii has been popular with all ages, but many senior communities are employing the system to help keep seniors active.

Gulf Coast Village residents gather for informal tennis competitions, bowling tournaments and golf in the Gulf Coast Village living room.

Competition can get heated, but players root for each other and give tips on timing, technique and how to score.

"It's a nice, competitive game," Warren Biesemeyer said.

"It moves you around. It's good exercise."

Biesemeyer said he plays several sports, and enjoys the mental and physical benefits of the games.

"You move a lot with tennis and bowling," he said. "Golf is more mental. It's very similar to the real thing. I love it."

Burgess said she tries to play as many games as possible because they keep her active and give her an excuse to get together with friends.

"I like bowling," she said. "You're not up there as long as tennis."