By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being
The final article of 2024 provided readers with a general overview of how to participate in the National Senior Games through an Open Sport. Our first Health and Well-being article during this Games year shares more guidance in choosing the right competition for you, whether you are adding a second sport to your Games experience or participating in the National Senior Games for the first time.
Anyone 50 years old or better by Dec. 31, 2024, can participate in an Open Sport or Event at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Open Sports and Events for the 2025 Games include Basketball Skills, Billiards, Beach Volleyball, Cornhole (including non-ambulatory divisions), Recumbent Cycling Time Trials, Disc Golf, Golf Scramble, 1-Mile Road Race, Powerlifting, Power Walk, Soccer, Tai Chi, Non-Ambulatory Pickleball (singles), and Triathlon Relay.
There are many reasons you may choose a sport. We recommend you consider three things: intensity of exercise, fun factor and skill set assessment, for different and related reasons. For example, if the chosen sport is too physically demanding and does not match the athlete’s skill set, it will be hard to enjoy.
Skill Set
Taking a personal inventory of your skills may be overlooked, especially by those used to participating in organized sports. In the article “Picking the Right Sport: Here’s all You Need To Know,” writer Kameswari Kovvali emphasizes the importance of this idea, stating that each sport requires a different set of skills and physicality.
Therefore, it is crucial to research which type of sport is best suited to the individual. In addition, a good personal skill set helps experienced athletes experience the joy of having a beginner’s mindset when trying a new sport. Although the fun factor is primary, evaluating your skill set is equally important and linked.
Physical Intensity
Intensity is closely connected with conditioning, preparation time and skill set. Athletes will not fully enjoy a sport if they are not fit enough to compete without excessive exertion. Based on standard categories, physical activities can be rated as low, moderate and high intensity. Senior Games Open Sports can generally be organized as follows:
- Low Intensity: Billiards, Cornhole (including non-ambulatory divisions), Basketball Skills, Disc Golf
- Moderate Intensity: Golf Scramble, Tai Chi
- High Intensity: Recumbent Cycling Time Trials, 1-Mile Road Race*, Powerlifting, Power Walk, Soccer, Non-Ambulatory Pickleball (singles), and Triathlon Relay
*Note: The 1-Mile Road Race is inclusive for all fitness levels.
Finally, here are a few reasons why several friends of The Games chose to register for an Open Sport.
- Florida State Representative Darryl Rouson chose Power Walk because he power walks at least 6,000 steps most days of the week along Tampa Bay on the way to the Skyway Bridge.
- Elise Roby Yanders, NSGA board member and former University of Tennessee Track/Athletics participant, appreciates NSGA having open events due to being unable to participate in a 2024 qualifying event. Elise chose Cornhole because it is a relaxing activity.
Remember to approach a novel sport with curiosity and a beginner’s mindset. This mindset, seeking your fun factor, evaluating your skills and considering physical intensity, is a path to an excellent Games experience in any sport.