After another strong showing at the Delaware Senior Olympics, 80-year-old Bill Dawkins of Clayton-Delaney Road is ready for his next challenge.

Dawkins is gearing up to compete for racquetball gold at the national level this summer.

But Dawkins also hopes to face more challengers right here in Delaware.

Dawkins garnered nine medals at the Delaware Games this fall, but he wants to see more competitors get in on the action next year.

“I’m proud that I’m well enough to do what I do, but I’d love to see more people my age so I have more competition,” he said.

The Delaware Senior Olympics take place in the fall. The events are held at various venues throughout the state.

This year, Dawkins competed at the Dover YMCA, the Dover Air Force Base and Delaware State University from September 27-29.

Dawkins won gold medals in racquetball, long jump, broad jump, high jump, shot put and the 100-meter dash. He also took the silver in javelin, discus and swimming.

When it comes to racquetball, Dawkins is setting his sights even higher.

By winning the gold in racquetball at the state level this fall, he became eligible to compete in the ’09 Summer National Senior Games in Palo Alto, California.

Dawkins has been practicing down at the Dover Air Force Base to hone his racquetball skills leading up to this event.

At the age of 80, Dawkins will be one of the “young bucks” in the 80-84 age bracket at the national games.

The Delaware Senior Olympics, which are open to people 50 years and older, features competitions in 24 different sporting events, including archery, baseball, bicycling, golf, table tennis, weight lifting and more.

For more information about the Delaware Senior Olympics, visit www.delawareseniorolympics.org or call the Dover office at (302) 736-5698.