Local senior citizens from numerous living centers are competing in a virtual bowling tournament in Onondaga County. Medicare provider Touchstone Health is sponsoring the event giving seniors an opportunity for a little physical activity and fun. Our Brad Vivacqua has more on this.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Virtual technology is helping senior citizens have more fun than ever before and this is an example of that. We stopped by the DeFrancisco Community Center in Eastwood one of four centers where seniors are competing a virtual bowling tournament using the Nintendo Wii.

Teams are in pairs of two and scores are being added up for eight weeks through the end of next month. A few of the participants we spoke to say they haven't been able to physically bowl in years and the Wii gives them new opportunities.

Through just a swing of the arm this tournament is helping promote exercise, healthy living and fun.

Ninety year old Joe Jarvis says bowling is something he used to love until one of his knees gave out several years ago.

"This is a good way to try to get back into bowling shape. But, my ball is not working the way it's supposed to. It isn't quite as accurate as actual bowling," said Jarvis.

"The Wii has been wonderful. None of us are very much into electronics and this has been great. We've had such a good time, the social fun part of it," said Shirley Merritt.

The teams will compete within their respective centers first and then winners will move on to the county championships later next month.

Touchstone Health has donated the Wii consoles to the participating centers which include County East, East Side, and the Fayetteville Senior Center.

The tournament is also taking place in areas of the Southern Tier.