Participants of the annual Louisiana Nursing Home Senior Olympics expressed anticipation and excitement Friday morning as they waited for their events to commence.

About 350 residents of 23 area nursing homes came together at the Bossier Civic Center to compete in the games, which have taken place around the state annually since 1983.

“I don’t even want to sit down,” said Gary Smith, 57, of Shreveport, who was competing in shot put and horseshoes. “I’m ready.”