2023 Games Daily Features Growing Bolder, Pitt Media Students
The Games Daily is excited to partner with Growing Bolder and with media interns from Pitt University to help share what the National Senior Games is all about.
“With our intergenerational theme, Bridging Champions Through the Ages, it’s only appropriate that our Media Center reach out to rising young media professionals to gather and share content,” NSGA Communications and Media Director Del Moon said. “We will gain interesting stories and the students will gain valuable experience and a fresh perspective on aging.”
Growing Bolder is NSGA’s Media Partner and will be at The Games July 14-16. They will share several video stories throughout the rest of the event.
First Athlete to Check in: Zbigniew Zlobicki
Zbigniew Zlobicki was the first athlete in line to check in for the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Why was he the early bird? “I have competition tomorrow morning so I got here at 10:30 a.m. and just decided to stay,” he explains. “I did learn about some new medical devices they are setting up in the Village.”
Like many others, Zbigniew has transitioned to Power Walk to stay in the game. “I was always a sprinter but I do not do any more long running because my knee cannot bend. And Power Walk is a good workout.”
The 73-year-old will be competing in the 1500 meter Power Walk and the 50 meter sprint, and he started his Senior Games journey in Pittsburgh in 2005 where he won a bronze medal in the 200 meter race. “I was young and beautiful then. Now I’m just beautiful!”
2023 Games Official Media Release
Welcome to Pittsburgh! Read NSGA’s official media release about the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana here.
Check out the Programs and Health Resources at The Games
Several programs and activities will be offered that will inspire and serve our athletes and the public, including the Pittsburgh premiere of the acclaimed documentary Team Dream and a photography display and workshop for youth. There will also be abundant medical resources and the always-popular SAFE athlete screening in the Village. Read all about them here.
Don’t Miss the Flame Arrival Ceremony Saturday, July 8
This year’s Flame Arrival Ceremony promises to be one of the best in our history! The rooftop terrace of the David Lawrence Convention Center overlooking the city and Allegheny River will be a spectacular evening setting. The program starts at 7:30 p.m., but get there starting at 6:30 p.m. to reunite and celebrate with your fellow athletes.
Our hosts have prepared an entertaining program that includes a torch run that begins at the Willie Stargell statue by PNC Park, crosses the Rachel Carson Bridge into the convention center and will arrive at a cauldron specifically homemade in the Steel City. The run will be captured and shared live on the big screen for athletes to follow. Who will light the cauldron? Be there to find out!
The program will also feature former Pirates All-Star and World Series champion Steve Blass, and athletes will enjoy welcoming Cherokee cyclist Simeon Gipson who will present gifts to Pittsburgh from the Cherokee nation after his 1,000 mile bike trek from Oklahoma to Pittsburgh. Gipson will share the reason for making the trip in a message that all athletes will understand.
The program will end with a jaw-dropping drone light show over the Pittsburgh skyline by Sky Elements. You won’t want to miss a minute!
Des Moines Selected to Host 2025 National Senior Games
As the 2023 Games rev up, we are excited to announce that NSGA has selected Des Moines, Iowa, to host the 2025 National Senior Games!
"Des Moines surprised us in many ways," NSGA CEO Sue Hlavacek noted. "The sport and event venues are top notch and the city is friendly and easy to navigate. We also like that we will have our next Games in the middle of the country. We look forward to our partnership with CATCH Des Moines.”
Hlavacek noted that she and the NSGA Board of Directors were impressed with the city’s bid presentation, which answered many questions about their suitability to host the event. Sport venues have been identified and there are ample hotels close to events.
“Des Moines offers all the amenities and facilities without the long lines, traffic and big price tag,” said Greg Edwards, President and CEO of CATCH Des Moines. “We’re a city that is safe, clean and walkable, and we’re excited to host the National Senior Games in 2025.”
Watch for more details in the coming months.
