National Senior Games

Beginning in 1987 and held every other year, The National Senior Games is the largest multi-sport qualified competition event in the world for men and women 50 and older. I’ve been to two National Senior Games, joining more than 10,500 athletes aged 50+ and an additional 20,000 family and friends. I look forward to participating as a race walker in the next National Senior Games.

More than 800 events are contested over two weeks at sports venues throughout the region. While I competed, I was also a spectator to many interesting events. I witnessed a 104-year-old man competing in field events. 60-year-olds sprinting on the track. It was really quite amazing and made me realize that success really has no time limit.

Archery

I had no idea that archery was so popular! We saw the archers shoot from 60 yards away, and they came close to the bull’s eye! The equipment was amazing and consisted of three classes of bows. The attire, equipment, and skill were something I’d never seen. It was all so fascinating to this Boomer!

Track Events

One morning, we sat on the 50-yard line and watched the sprinters in the 50-yard dash. Each age group, female and then male, had their turns so the events lasted all morning. We watched sprinters in the age 55 group who were very fast. Of course, the 80+ division was pretty impressive, too! The day I competed, we had to leave to check out of the hotel and missed the 101-year-old lady doing the 50-yard dash. Fortunately, someone recorded it. She’s proof that what I said above is true. Success doesn’t have a time limit!

1,500-Meter Race Walk (Featuring Me!)

Here I am in blue (#27) at the starting line of the 1500-meter race walk with 32 others in the photo taken by the National Senior Games. I came in 4th in my age group. I was quite proud of myself!

Pickleball

My wife Mary Ann and I are both learning to play pickleball, so we took in a few games on two days. The 55-year-old men’s doubles were outstanding, and we also enjoyed watching the mixed doubles.

Field Events

We met this nice lady Carol Cross at our hotel. She came from Ohio to compete in field events, like shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer throw. We went to see her compete in the Hammer Throw. She handed me her phone to record one of her throws for Facebook. I learned something new and met a nice person!

In Summary

This was the second National Senior Games I have been to, and I’m pleased to say I enjoyed them both. Many of the people we met have been coming back to these games for years. We may be joining them at the next one.

A positive vibe flows through the entire event. People are excited to participate in their sport of choice. Talking with people like Carol and hearing their stories is interesting. You can then even go see them compete!

At the awards ceremony, everyone glows with confidence. This is more than just a sport. It’s a discipline, determination, a way of life! It results in many positive benefits, both physical and mental. It even has social benefits, as it puts you in touch with new and old friends who share your quest.

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to compete. Just participate in your state senior games, and most likely, you’ll qualify for the next National Senior Games. Trust me—it’ll be worth it!