Popular billiards competition attracts serious senior players
By Autumn Gray
For many, November brings to mind turkey, pies, family, and football. However, for a surprising number of seniors in Albuquerque, the game of billiards is also on the brain this month. It’s time for the Los Volcanes Senior Center’s fourth annual Billiards Tournament, which always draws a crowd.
“It’s a pretty popular event,” said the center’s program coordinator, Micheal Duran. “It’s a good way for them to show off their skills … and November is a good month for bringing people together. Seniors can come to the center to make new friends.”
The event, set for a 9 a.m. start November 15, is expected to attract 20-30 players and a number of onlookers. Participants will be playing 8 Ball Pool, with four billiard tables in use for several hours until championship games close the event after a lunch is served. First-, second-, and third-place winners receive trophies courtesy of Prime Time and a refund of the $10 it costs to register for the event.
Anyone age 50 or older and who is a member of any of the City’s senior centers can play. Zero amount of skill is necessary, though be aware that participants typically aren’t playing games when it comes to the competitive spirit of the day.
“For a billiards room, it’s very quiet on competition day,” Duran said. “You can hear a pin drop. It’s very serious. They take it very seriously.”
Registration is required in advance, in person at the Los Volcanes Senior Center, 6500 Los Volcanes Road NW, where one can also sign up for a $20 annual membership.
Los Volcanes, along with five other senior centers and two multigenerational centers, are owned and operated by the City of Albuquerque Department of Seniors Affairs. Albuquerque’s 50+ population can enjoy sports and recreation activities, the arts, unlimited learning opportunities, trips and outings, meals, special events, and support groups at any of them, according to the City’s website, https://www.cabq.gov/seniors/senior-multigenerational-centers. Educational and social activities include computing, health management, musical concerts, lectures, theater, pottery, breakfast and lunch, as well as support groups.
For more information or details about the centers, contact the Senior Information line at 505.764.6400.
