The World Senior Games (since 1989 Huntsman World Senior Games for sponsorship reasons) is the largest annual multi-sportsenior competition in the world (Most participants are U.S. citizens, but athletes from Canada, Australia, Russia, Japan and several other countries also participate).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
The Games was founded in 1987 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, "with the mission to foster worldwide peace, health and friendship and lead the world in active aging.[8]
All athletes aged 50 and over, of all skill levels, are eligible to compete.[9]
No pre-qualification is necessary.[10]
In addition to self-registered entries, invitation-only tournaments are also included, such as the Global Cup World Senior Volleyball Championships.[11][12]
In 2018, 11,033 athletes from around the world participated, including 349 softball teams and 213 volleyball teams.[13][14][15][16]
Following the tradition of the Olympic Games, opening ceremonies are held at Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, and feature a parade of athletes and a fireworks display.[17][18]
Singing and dancing performances at the opening ceremonies are provided by the performing arts studio Diamond Talent.[19]
In many events, U.S. competitors' results from the competition serve to qualify for the biennial National Senior Games.[20]
Swimming events are eligible for setting masters swimming records.[21]
In 1989 Jon Huntsman Sr. of the Huntsman Corporation became the Games' title sponsor.[22] The 2016 games had competitors from 34 countries in 29 sports, the oldest Daniel Bulkley, aged 99.[23] The 2020 competition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[24] The World Senior Games annually brings in an estimated $17 million in direct economic impact to the St. George community.[25]Brigham Young University students have provided free health screenings, conducted research at the games and published findings in peer-reviewed journals, and are a major source of volunteers at the competition.[26]
Events
For 2021, competition was planned in 34 different sports.[27]
