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Seniors go for the gold

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Joanne Jones is shooting for Michael Phelps' star status at The Cypress of Hilton Head's version of the 2008 Olympic Games.

"A girl can dream, can't she?" Jones said of the American Olympian's record eight gold medals.

Jones has entered four events, more than most of the 50 residents competing this week at the continuing-care retirement community.

She and teammate, Jerry Darnell, 80, already have won two gold medals, in croquet and bocce ball. Jones, who would only say she's older than 55, will compete individually in Wednesday's Wii bowling tournament and Friday's two- and four-lap freestyle swim.

She's been practicing Nintendo Wii bowling all week, she said.

She's also offered bocce ball lessons to her friends. The 76-foot-long standard course exists at The Cypress thanks to Jones' husband, Stew, who gathered petition signatures in 2004 to get it built. They married that year, and the course was built by the time they returned from their honeymoon, she said.

Since then, the couple has helped other residents learn the game, which requires players to bowl four balls toward a smaller ball called "the pallino." Points are awarded for every ball that gets closer to the pallino than the opponent's.

There were just eight participants, but that won't be the case in the more popular events, such as today's bridge tournament and Thursday's golf outing. A cross-country cycling race (on stationary bikes) and a rowing contest (on rowing machines) also will take place this week.

Events end Friday, followed by a cocktail party with Chinese hors d'oeuvres and an international buffet. Medals will be presented during the party.

Activities director Randi Selman said she organizes a large summer event each year. The competitive games are those Cypress residents play often, she said.

"I don't think you ever lose your competitive spirit," Selman said. "No matter how old or young you are, you like to win and you like to compete."

Jones said she plans to continue her winning streak in the Wii event.

"I'd like to win in bowling," she said. "I really covet that one. I'll be practicing tonight, tomorrow and right up to the event."

That seems to be a training regiment much like her Olympic idol.

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