He caught bowling fever 15 years ago when he was only 76. Today he's winning medals at the North Carolina Senior Games State Finals, taking place through the end of October in venues all over the state.

This week, the Fayetteville resident joined 629 of his fellow senior citizen bowlers at Buffaloe Lanes in North Raleigh to prove he still has game.

A veteran of three wars, Flanders begs to differ on his status as an older athlete.

"I'm not a senior yet," he said, flashing his wide grin. "I feel great, and I'll keep bowling until someone tells me to stop."

The North Carolina Senior Games, with over 3,100 participants and 900 volunteers, is the largest senior olympic program in the nation, according to spokeswoman Varnette Tetterton. Bowling is the largest event this year.

The Senior Games, now in its 23rd year, showcases more than 70 sports and arts activities and focuses on fitness and fellowship. Participants aged 55 and over qualified for the finals by winning medals at one of 53 local games last spring.

Winners on the state level will advance to the National Senior Games in Louisville, Ky., in June 2007.

For more information, visit www.ncseniorgames.org.