NYA Sports & Fitness Center and Newtown’s Commission on Aging recently unveiled a series of programs for residents age 50 and over. The new initiative is supported by a large body of evidence that links planned exercise with good health and longevity.

All programs are being offered free of charge and being presented at NYA, 4 Primrose Street within the Fairfield Hills campus.

NYA is working in cooperation with Connecticut Sports Management to promote participation in master level competitions in Connecticut.

On Wednesday, October 28, at 11 am, Patrick T. Fisher, executive director of Connecticut Sports Management Group, Inc, will offer an informational seminar on the 2016 Connecticut Masters Games.

The Games is a multi-sport festival of Olympic-style competition for Connecticut’s master amateur athletes. Competitors can be as young as 30 to compete. Age divisions are available for those up to 90-plus. Team sports include basketball, softball and volleyball, while individual sports include archery, badminton, bowling, cycling, golf, pickleball, racquetball, road race, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and track & field.

The Games are recognized by the National Senior Games Association and the United States Olympic Committee as the official Senior Games of Connecticut. The Connecticut Masters Games is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt corporation governed by a 25-member board of directors.

Registration is requested for the program at NYA, and can be done by calling 203-426-0088.

In addition to the Senior Appreciation Month programming, NYA is offering a free two-week trial to its fitness center to residents ages 62 and older. The membership includes access to the full fitness center, with cardio and strength equipment; and NYA’s indoor walking track, among other perks.