Still in It to Win It: National Senior Games Begin July 24 in Des Moines, Iowa
Over 12,500 athletes ages 50-100+ are registered to compete
DES MOINES, IA – The stage is set for the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana to be the second largest in the event’s history and to showcase a new perspective on aging.
More than 12,500 athletes ages 50 and over are registered to compete in this Olympic-style event, featuring 25 sports held across venues in Greater Des Moines from July 24 to August 4.
First held in 1987, the National Senior Games takes place every two years and is expected to generate more than $32 million in economic impact for the region. Competition is organized in five-year age brackets, and athletes in most sports qualify by competing in State Senior Games the year prior.
“More and more people over 50 are discovering the incredible benefits of physical activity and being part of the Senior Games community. We’re thrilled to see that growth reflected in the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana being the second largest in history,” said Susan Hlavacek, president & CEO of the National Senior Games Association. “We are grateful for the planning support of Catch Des Moines, local government officials, emergency personnel and venue managers over the past two years and look forward to a safe and successful Games.”
Athletes from all 50 states and 12 countries will gather in Des Moines to celebrate competition, community and healthy aging. The oldest athlete set to compete is centenarian Fay Bond, 101, of North Carolina.
“We are thrilled to welcome more than 12,500 athletes, along with their friends and family, to Des Moines for the National Senior Games,” said Greg Edwards, president and CEO of Catch Des Moines. “As the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world for adults ages 50 and older, this event will bring incredible energy, excitement and economic benefit to our region. These athletes are a remarkable testament to active aging and lifelong commitment to sport. Hosting the National Senior Games is another proud milestone in our legacy of hosting major national events.”
Community Invited to Attend Competitions & Special Events
The public is invited to attend The Games and enjoy special events throughout the week. Details for each event are available online at NSGA.com/SpecialEvents. All events are free except for registration to participate in the Mile for the Ages.
- Flame Arrival Ceremony – Friday, July 25
7 p.m., Iowa State Capitol Grounds, E Locust St & E 7th St, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319
Celebrate the official opening of The Games with a torch relay and ceremonial lighting of the cauldron. - Mile for the Ages – Friday, July 25
6:30 p.m., Iowa State Capitol Grounds, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
One-mile community walk/run open to all ages. On-site registration available from 4:30-6 p.m. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. - Optimal Aging Day in Iowa – Friday, July 25
4:30-7:30 p.m., Iowa State Capitol Grounds
Interactive health and well-being activities, screenings, assessments and resources provided in partnership with the University of Iowa Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence and local health providers. - Celebration of Athletes – Monday, July 28
6:15 p.m., Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park (2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Combination opening and closing ceremony celebrating National Senior Games athletes. - “Team Dream” Documentary Premiere – Saturday, July 26
6:30 p.m., DMACC Urban Campus, 1100 7th St. Bldg 1, Room 141/142, Des Moines, IA 50314
Iowa premiere of “Team Dream,” an award-winning short film following two swimmers from Chicago on their journey to the National Senior Games. Followed by panel and audience discussion. - Competition Tips from Olympians and Guided Mindfulness Session – Wednesday, July 30
6:30 p.m., DMACC Boone Campus, 1125 Hancock Dr., Boone, IA, 50036
Tips on mental performance for athletes from U.S. Olympian Thomas Hill (’72) and guided mindfulness-based stress reduction and meditation session from NSGA Director of Health and Well-Being, Andrew Walker, MPH.
Humana Continues Commitment to Supporting Seniors
Humana has served as presenting sponsor of the National Senior Games since 2007, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to supporting seniors in their pursuit of healthy aging.
“At Humana, we believe in empowering older adults to live healthy, active lives,” said George Renaudin, President of Insurance at Humana. “Our continued partnership with the National Senior Games Association reflects our deep commitment to celebrating the vitality and resilience of senior athletes. We’re honored to support their inspiring journeys and welcome them to the heart of the country.”
More information on the National Senior Games including venues, schedules and volunteer opportunities is available at NSGA.com.
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Note: Visit NSGA.com/Press-Room to download the event media kit. Photos and video b-roll from previous National Senior Games are available for download here, provided for editorial use only. Credit required.
About the National Senior Games Association (NSGA)
The National Senior Games Association, Inc. (NSGA) is a nonprofit corporation that promotes the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness and active aging to individuals aged 50+. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and hosts the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world for seniors. The Association is comprised of over 50 independent Member Organizations that conduct qualifying competitions. The 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana will be held in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, visit NSGA.com.
