Not all Iowa Games events involve lightning-quick activity. But the slower-paced events aren’t any less interesting, the participants — and spectators — say.

Approximately 250 athletes came to compete in the Iowa Games free throw contest and spot shooting event Saturday at the Lied Recreation Center. Ages ranged from eight into the 70s.

The competition consisted of a set a free throws in which athletes got two chances to make as many as they could out of 12 or 15, depending upon age.

In the spot shooting contest, athletes had two minute-and-a-half attempts to shoot from seven spots around the basket marked on the floor.

“[T]he most enjoyable part of this event is watching the 70 and older division,” said Chris Carmon, the event’s Iowa Games commissioner for the past seven years. “They have all been participating in this event since I can remember, and they are very good.”

Some are so good that Carmon would put their score against anyone else’s in the free throw shooting contest, regardless of age.

Joan Tasler and Barbara Ellis, both well into their 70s, have been competing in the event ever since it first started in 1995.

“These ladies are really the best thing about this event. Last year, they made 43 of 45 free throws combined,” Carmon said.

“I could bet on these ladies against anyone here regardless of age, male or female,” he said.

“One year I’ll take one event, and the next year, she will take it back, said Tasler, 76, of Jefferson. “There is an unspoken rivalry between us, but it’s all in fun.”

“I bring my grandsons up with me, and we just have fun,” said Ellis, 75, of Newton.

Ellis won the free throw contest in 2002, and Tasler took the spot shooting, but this year was a little different as Tasler took both events.

Other competitors and former award winners include Ron Peterson, 59, of Waukee.

“I love competing against these guys every year, and it’s a great atmosphere to be around,” said Peterson, who received first place in the free throw contest in 2002.

“I’ve won a few firsts, and a few seconds throughout the years. I prefer the spot shooting, but you get what you get,” he said.

Kurt Miles, 49, of Cedar Rapids is in his fourth year competing in the Iowa Games, and was competing in the event fresh off his team winning a bronze medal in the 3-on-3 competition just minutes before spot shooting began.

“This is what it’s about,” Miles said. “I love the chance to compete against people and measuring up around the state … You can’t ask for a better facility than [Lied].”