The Long Run – July 2016
Association News2019 Games Will Be in…Albuquerque!
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Triumph over MS Highlights Personal Best Tennessee Presentation
Game On!2017 Venue Snapshot: Softball at Liberty Park
 The Liberty Park Sports Complex will host softball competition for 2017 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Birmingham. Built in 1995, it is located just 25 minutes from downtown in scenic Vestavia Hills. With its convenient hub design and amenities, Liberty Park has become a popular softball tournament destination.
There are lighted fields, ample parking and spectator seating, paved sidewalks, covered dugouts, plus permanent concession facilities and bathrooms. Some fields have smaller outfields that will be used for older age divisions. In addition, there are two storm shelters that can hold 1,025 people. Culture for Free
 Perhaps the best free sightseer deal for athletes and visitors will be found at The Birmingham Museum of Art, which is in walking distance from the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center,the hub of activity for The Games.
The Birmingham Museum of Art covers 3.9 acres in the heart of downtown’s cultural district. It is one of the finest regional museums in the United States, housing a diverse collection of more than 26,000 paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, and decorative arts dating from ancient to modern times.
The collection presents a rich panorama of cultures, featuring the Museum’s extensive holdings of Asian, European, American, African, Pre-Columbian, and Native American art. While occasional special exhibits require purchasing a ticket, admission is free to the massive permanent collection. Qualifying Games A-Plenty Coming Up
We always encourage you to qualify in your own state games, but many like to train in a competitive atmosphere of more games, or have a conflict with game dates near them. Good thing we have 52 choices during this 2016 qualifying year!
Games starting in August are Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Other states with continuing events spread over multiple dates include Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Check the specifics for the sport event(s) you are interested in by following the link below to find each state’s web and contact information.
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HUMANA Heroes: Athlete of the MonthMuseum Quality
Many recall the epic battle of centenarians last summer at the 2015 National Senior Games presented by Humana. The matches between Fred Winter and John Zilverberg in men’s 100-104 discus, javelin and shot put were hotly contested and caught the attention of many media outlets, including Sports Illustrated and NBC’s TODAY Show. ESPN also selected a video clip as a Top Play of the Day. A commonly-heard phrase on the field that day was, “I want to be like them when I grow up.”
Who came out on top? “I got him, won all three,” said Fred Winter, who also earned gold in the 50 and 100 meter dashes. “I kinda feel sorry for him because he tried so hard. I suppose if he’s well, he’ll be back though.”
Fred has taken all the media attention and “attaboys” from athletes and others in stride. “Before I was 100, nobody noticed me,” he chuckled. “I’ve been to all National Senior Games but one, the first one in St. Louis. I got bronzes in the ’80s, silvers in the ’90s, and now golds after 2000. As I get older, I have less and less competition. I guess I outlasted some people.” Recently, Fred earned an honor beyond anything he could have imagined. Chicago’s highly regarded Museum of Science and Industry has included his photo and an auditory message as part of an exhibit focusing on centenarians from across the United States. The exhibit is planned to remain on display for at least 7 years. He, his wife Darlene of 65 years and several family members have already made the trip from Michigan to see it. “Never expected that,” he said, “but I think it’s great.”
Fred hasn’t always been so athletic, and the turning point came when he was 70 and surveyed other men his age. “I wanted to see how I stacked up,” he told People Magazine. “And let’s just say, it wasn’t good.” That’s when he jumped into Senior Games, and he hasn’t looked back.
The elder athlete now follows a healthy diet, regular exercise and abstains from alcohol. Part of his regimen is to do 100 pushups daily. “I did 130 today,” he told us. “What’s the record for pushups for my age?”
Fred is grateful for his longevity and keeps his vision looking forward. “I survived the Battle of Okinawa and two typhoons,” the Navy veteran and former teacher mused. “I never thought then I’d make it to here. But I’m staying strong, and I’ll come to Birmingham for Nationals if the Lord permits me, and I don’t have a setback. I’ll see how I’m feeling then.”
Thanks Fred. You are a treasure to behold on the field…and now, in the museum.
We’re always looking for great athlete stories. Submit yours or nominate a fellow athlete who inspires you at our Athlete of the Month page at NSGA.com!
 Good Luck in Rio!
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Senior Health and WellnessThe Benefits of Exercise for Brain Health
Senior athletes know that participating in sports provides motivation to keep exercising. Now, research has confirmed that regular activity stimulates brain growth and, in many cases, help stave off or lessen degenerative mental disorders.
In a recent blog, Sushma Webber cites research that links exercise and brain health, stating several benefits that regular aerobic exercise provides at any age:
Webber offered a link to a nine-minute video produced by the Beckmann Institute of the University of Illinois that shares how recent research has confirmed the connection between fitness and brain health:
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 Help Us Celebrate Our 30th Anniversary!
NSGA wants to share your fondest memories and fitness “secrets.” Selected entries will be included on a 30th Anniversary web page and newsletter in 2017, plus in special displays and activities in Birmingham. Follow the links to convenient online forms below.
What’s Your Favorite Memory of The Games?
It can be any special moment from funny to inspirational. The easy to complete form offers several ideas for the type of brief messages we would love to share with others. You can even attach a photo to go with your story.
“30 Health and Fitness Secrets of Senior Athletes”
The top 30 athlete “secrets” will be shared with national media in 2017. Tell us yours! It can be an inspiration, a favorite or your own original expression, or advice you have gathered from others. It can be about exercise, nutrition, keeping mentally active, or staying motivated.
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NSGA Online Merchandise StoreBeep Beep! Senior Athlete Coming Through!
There’s nothing better for a senior athlete than to have others see you working out and training and admiring your fitness level. Let them know about your goal for national competition in Birmingham next summer with gear featuring the 2017 National Senior Games logo!
Wearables with the 2017 logo and other motivational images are available on our online store. When you view the link below, simply click on either NSGA or 2017 images to see the various apparel types. Then click “Personalize” to position and add the artwork you want onto your selection. Get started today!
The Official NSGA Store at NSGA.com
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- Published in Newsletter
Albuquerque Named Host City for 2019 National Senior Games
ALBUQUERQUE, NM (July 12, 2016) – The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) has selected Albuquerque as the Host City for the 2019 National Senior Games. Mayor Richard J. Berry announced the news at a press conference held on the plaza in front of the Albuquerque Convention Center, which will serve as the hub of activity for the massive event coming to The Land of Enchantment.
“Sports tourism is an incredible opportunity for Albuquerque, Berry said. “This is why we have been intentional in the investments we have made to make Albuquerque a perfect destination for this prestigious event. Our city is very excited to open our doors to the athletes, their families, and friends as we host the National Senior Games in the summer of 2019.”
Mayor Berry’s comments were amplified by attending representatives from the city’s Department of Senior Affairs, Visit Albuquerque, the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department, New Mexico Senior Olympics, Albuquerque Recreation and Parks Department, the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque Police Department, and others. “This national event will produce a great public-private partnership,” said Jorja Armijo-Brasher, director of the Department of Senior Affairs, “We are thrilled to have been selected.”
The bidding process took several months. In 2015, the City of Albuquerque partnered with Visit Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico to create and submit a proposal to host the games. As a result of the proposal, the NSGA selection committee visited the Albuquerque area and toured a variety of venues including university sports complexes and city facilities. After the site visit, representatives from the City of Albuquerque made a final presentation to the NSGA Board of Directors.
“When we made our visit to Albuquerque, the biggest thing that impressed us was that everyone shared a passion for seniors and providing services for their elder citizens,” NSGA CEO Marc T. Riker said. “Mayor Berry uses the motto ‘One City, One Team’ and it’s clear that they are a team. NSGA is confident Albuquerque will do whatever it takes to welcome our athletes and visitors, and to help produce outstanding games at great venues in 2019.”
The National Senior Games, which has been held every two years since 1987, is the largest multi-sport event in the world for people 50 and over to qualify for. Qualifying takes place through 52 NSGA member and associate games held throughout the country and Canada. More than 10,000 athletes are expected to compete in 19 medal sports, with more than 800 events staged at multiple venues over a two-week period during the summer of 2019. The exact dates for The Games will be finalized and announced later this year. The 2017 National Senior Games presented by Humana will be hosted next June 2-15 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Cities seek to host the National Senior Games in hopes of reaping the tourism and publicity benefits that it brings. In addition to athletes, as many as 15,000 family and friends will also travel along, bringing an estimated $35 million in economic impact. Beyond satisfying all of the required elements of their bid package, Riker credited a spirit of unity and commitment to qualify of life for seniors found by the evaluation team as a compelling quality of Albuquerque’s presentation.
“We were also impressed with the level of state support given to the New Mexico Senior Olympics for many years,”
Riker added. “The New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department has provided support making it possible for 28 local games with events in more than 130 communities around the state. This helps feed many more athletes into the state’s qualifying events, which has resulted in a large New Mexico contingent coming to the National Senior Games.”
Many New Mexico senior athletes were also present to help celebrate the selection, including ladies’ basketball team members from the Big Dogs, Canyon Nets, and League of Their Own, and from the Albuquerque Silver Gloves softball team.
Ernesto Ramos, a former NSGA board chair who is affectionately known in the state as “The Godfather of New Mexico Senior Olympics,” emotionally expressed his pride with seeing the National Senior Games coming to his home state. “I don’t think anyone can be happier than I am right now. I think I’ll now do a somersault!” he said. “I want to thank the mayor and the team for working so hard, and you know,now the work really starts.“
“NSGA is pleased to share with our member organizations the partnership with the City of Albuquerque to conduct the National Senior Games, and for the first time in the state of New Mexico,” commented current NSGA Board Chair Stephen Rodriquez. “We look forward to the participants receiving a welcoming and memorable experience when they visit the Land of Enchantment and discover its scenic beauty and rich history.”
About NSGA
The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is a nonprofit member of the United States Olympic Committee that promotes health and wellness for adults 50 and over through education, fitness and sport. NSGA governs the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world for seniors. NSGA sanctions 52 state and affiliate members across the country that host qualifying Senior Games or Senior Olympics competition. The 2017
National Senior Games Presented by Humana will be held June 2 – 15, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information, visit www.NSGA.com.
- Published in News and Events, Press Releases
“Museum Quality” – July 2016 Athlete of the Month
Fred Winter, 101, Holland Michigan
Photo: Jose Marquez
Many recall the epic battle of centenarians in Minnesota last summer at the 2015 National Senior Games presented by Humana. The matches between Fred Winter and John Zilverberg in men’s 100-104 discus, javelin and shot put were hotly contested and caught the attention of many media outlets, including Sports Illustrated and NBC’s TODAY Show. ESPN also selected a video clip as a Top Play of the Day. A commonly-heard phrase on the field that day was, “I want to be like them when I grow up.
Who came out on top? “I got him, won all three,” said Fred Winter, who also earned gold in the 50 and 100 meter dashes. “I kinda feel sorry for him because he tried so hard. I suppose if he’s well, he’ll be back though.”
Fred has taken all the media attention and “attaboys” from athletes and others in stride. “Before I was 100, nobody noticed me,” he chuckled. “I’ve been to all National Senior Games but one, the first one in St. Louis. I got bronzes in the ‘80s, silvers in the ‘90s, and now golds after 2000. As I get older, I have less and less competition. I guess I outlasted some people.”
Recently, Fred earned an honor beyond anything he could have imagined. Chicago’s highly regarded Museum of Science and Industry has included his photo and an auditory message as part of an exhibit focusing on centenarians from across the United States. The exhibit is planned to remain on display for at least 7 years. He, his wife Darlene of 65 years and several family members have already made the trip from Michigan to see it. “Never expected that,” he said, “but I think it’s great.”
Photo: Rebekah A. Romero
Fred hasn’t always been so athletic, and the turning point came when he was 70 and surveyed other men his age. “I wanted to see how I stacked up,” he told People Magazine. “And let’s just say, it wasn’t good.” That’s when he jumped into Senior Games, and he hasn’t looked back.
The elder athlete now follows a healthy diet, regular exercise and abstains from alcohol. Part of his regimen is to do 100 pushups every day. “I did 130 today,” he told us. “What’s the record for pushups for my age?”
Fred is grateful for his longevity and keeps his vision looking forward. “I survived the Battle of Okinawa and two typhoons,” the Navy veteran and former teacher mused. “I never thought then I’d make it to here. But I’m staying strong, and I’ll come to Birmingham for Nationals if the Lord permits me, and I don’t have a setback. I’ll see how I’m feeling then.”
Thanks Fred. You are a treasure to behold on the field…and now, in the museum.
- Published in Athlete of the Month