Individual and team competition opportunities abound for children and teenagers, from sports to music to model United Nations and beyond. Options for adults are not always as easy to find, but they do exist. If you are an adult looking for an activity that allows you to test your skills against others, you have come to the right place. Read on for several ways that you can engage in some friendly competition.
Golf
Most golf courses host at least one or two golf tournament contests each year. Many of them are run by local nonprofits, so that participants can help to support a worthy cause while enjoying a day out on the green. When you participate in a golf tournament, you’ll enjoy the thrill of competition while meeting new people, and your entry fee may even include access to a lunch buffet or cocktail hour. Look online or visit golf courses near you to find out when they are holding their next tournament and sign up.
Writing
Do you like to write short stories, poems or even novels? No matter what you like to write, there is a contest out there for you. Most of them offer cash prizes. If your career involves a significant amount of writing or communications and you win or place in a major writing competition, you can even list it on your resume. To find writing contests, search online or check with your favorite literary magazine.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting isn’t just for Olympic athletes. Ever since the rise of CrossFit throughout the United States and around the world, fundamental movements like the deadlift, snatch and clean and jerk have become more mainstream than ever. If you love lifting, a box near you should be able to provide information about local competitions. When you register and participate in a competition, you’ll meet like-minded people, and you will probably get a new tee shirt and some snacks!
Running
If cardio is more your speed, you should have no trouble finding a local race to test your skills. 5K courses are very popular, but if you prefer distance running, you could try a marathon. You can compete against yourself by trying to improve your time with each race that you complete or set a goal of placing in a top percentage of finishers for your gender and age group.
Friendly competition doesn’t have to end once you’re out of school! When you enter a golf, writing, weightlifting or running competition as an adult, you will improve yourself mentally and physically while meeting new friends and having a wonderful time.