National Senior Games Interview

Founded in 1985, the National Senior Games Association featured 2,500 athletes participating in St. Louis. In the 2007 Games, more than 12,000 people competed. The organization anticipates 14,000 athletes in the 2009 Summer National Senior Games presented by Humana in San Francisco.

Becky Wesley is the director of association relations for the National Senior Games. In this LoveToKnow Seniors interview, she says there is a spirit of wellness and competition in everyone, whether you’re 15 or 100.

National Senior Games Interview

What sports are represented in the National Senior Games, and of those, which are the most popular?

Seniors participate in archery, badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, race walking, racquetball, road racing, shuffleboard, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, a triathlon event, and volleyball.

The most popular sports are track and field, swimming, tennis, cycling and bowling. All three of the team sports-basketball, softball and volleyball-are popular as well.

Team sports like softball are popular events. Photo courtesy of NSGA.

Please explain how a senior athlete participates in the National Senior Games.

Athletes that would like to compete in the 2009 Summer National Senior Games presented by Humana must qualify through a NSGA State Senior Games event in 2008. Athletes may quality through any state that allows out-of-state competitors. You may also visit the NSGA website and view the NSGA rules book for complete details on qualifying.

Also review a directory of participating state games to contact the organization nearest you.

Establishing Age Performance Requirements

How does the organization establish the minimum performance standards for each age division?

The performance of competitors determines the guidelines for age brackets. Photo courtesy of NSGA.

Minimum Performance Standards (MPS) are evaluated following every Summer National Senior Games to establish a method whereby an athlete can qualify for the Summer Games by meeting or exceeding the standard.

The sports for which minimum standards have been established are:

• Archery
• Race Walk
• Road Race
• Swimming
• Track & Field

MPS are based on historical data. In general, the MPS is based on the time, distance, or score of the 6th place finisher, plus or minus 10 percent. NSGA reserves the right to use judgment based on experience when setting the standard.

What are the ages of some of the oldest participants, and what sports do they compete in?

George Blevins, 100, bowling in the National Senior Games. Photo courtesy of NSGA.

We had two 100-year-olds in the 2007 Senior Games:

• George Blevins – bowling
• John Donnelly – table tennis

The oldest athlete in the history of the Games was Sam Pate, a bowler in the 2005 Senior Games.

Are many of the participants longtime athletes, or have some of them discovered a sport for the first time and decided to compete?

Yes, many of our athletes have participated in the Senior Games since the first National Games in 1987. At the 2007 Senior Games, we recognized athletes that have competed in every National Games from 1987 to 2007.

We also receive inquiries every day from athletes just learning about us that are so excited and anxious to start competing. In addition, we receive inquiries from athletes in their 40s who can’t wait to turn 50 so they can start competing.

Athletes enjoy the camaraderie every two years and look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

What reports of wellness and life participation do the athletes share?

At the National Games, we offer various educational and research sessions. The athletes enjoy this opportunity to learn and share the benefits of healthy lifestyles. They understand that staying active with exercise decreases health issues and increases their lifestyles. You will hear story after story from athletes stating that living a healthy, active lifestyle has improved their quality of life and has enabled them to enjoy their children and grandchildren. If someone is interested in volunteering at the games, do they have to be a participant as well?

Volunteering is a wonderful and inspiring experience. You do not have to be a participant to volunteer for the Senior Games; anyone at any age may volunteer. Typically the communities are very supportive and entire families will come out to volunteer and support the athletes. Many volunteers even decide to start competing in their State Games hoping to qualify for the next National Games.

Anything else you'd like to add?

The 2007 Summer National Senior Games – The Senior Olympics presented by Humana was the 20th anniversary of the Senior Games. We had a record 12,100 registered for these Games and expect up to 14,000 for the 2009 Senior Games.

The 2009 Summer National Senior Games presented by Humana will be held August 1-15 in the San Francisco Bay Area of California with 13 of the 18 sports being conducted on the fabulous Stanford University campus. We invite everyone to contact their state organization to learn more about participating and getting involved.

Participating in the National Senior Games is a fun, rewarding experience. Photo courtesy of NSGA.

Participants have various levels of activity; from those deciding they no longer wish to be the couch potato, to the individual who was the star athlete in high school/college and now chooses to relive those competition years; as well as those individuals that have remained active throughout their lives. You’re never too young to start!

One of my favorite stories is a gentleman that didn’t start competing until his 80s; he is now 93 competing in track and field, and setting numerous world, American and NSGA records.

So in this new year, give yourself the gift of life, and bring a buddy with you!

~ Tracey L. Kelley.