Senior athletes train with discipline and purpose — and for 20 years, Humana, Inc. has matched that commitment as presenting sponsor of the National Senior Games.

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The National Senior Games Association announced Wednesday that Humana will return as the presenting sponsor of the 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games, a biennial multi-sport championship for athletes ages 50 and over.

The 2027 National Senior Games presented by Humana will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from June 30 to July 11, 2027. The event is expected to draw more than 12,500 participants to compete in 28 sports. In 2029, The Games will be hosted in Birmingham, Alabama.

“We’re grateful for Humana’s unwavering partnership in promoting active aging and providing a platform for older adults to compete on the national stage,” said Susan Hlavacek, NSGA President & CEO. “As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Games, we are excited to foster the continued growth of senior athletics with Humana’s support.”

The National Senior Games is part of the broader Senior Games movement, which champions physical activity and social connection through local, state and national level events.

“For more than two decades, Humana has been inspired by the athletes of the National Senior Games. Their dedication reflects the heart of Humana’s purpose: helping people achieve their best health through physical, mental and social well-being,” said David Dintenfass, Humana’s President of Enterprise Growth. “We’re honored to support a community that shows us what is possible when passion, resilience and connection guide the way.”

Sports offered at the event continue to expand, providing opportunities for a wide range of athletes to participate. New to the lineup for 2027 are bocce, climbing, flag football, dance and shooting.

Many National Senior Games sports require qualification through a 2026 State Senior Games, while select sports are open to all adults ages 50+. Learn more at NSGA.com.

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About the National Senior Games Association
The National Senior Games Association, Inc. (NSGA) is a nonprofit corporation that promotes the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness and active aging to adults 50+. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and produces the biennial National Senior Games, one of the largest multi-sport events in the world for athletes ages 50+. The Association is comprised of 52 independent Member Games that conduct qualifying competition events. For more information, visit NSGA.com and follow @SeniorGames1 on social media.

About Humana
Humana (NYSE:HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we strive to make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.

 

 

NSGA Names Host Cities for 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games

The multi-sport championship for athletes ages 50+ heads to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Birmingham, Alabama

CLEARWATER, FL – The National Senior Games Association, Inc. announced Tuesday Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Birmingham, Alabama, as host cities for the 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games, respectively. This will be the first time the National Senior Games is held in Tulsa and marks a return to Birmingham after The Games were hosted there in 2017.

The massive biennial competition attracts over 11,500 athletes ages 50-100+ to compete in 25+ sports over two weeks and generated an estimated $32 million in economic impact when last contested in 2023. The event also creates invaluable social impact by showcasing active aging.

“We’re excited to partner with leaders in Tulsa and Birmingham to bring the National Senior Games to these thriving sports destinations. Our athletes will enjoy the excellent venues, unique attractions, flourishing cultures and easy-to-navigate geography in these cities,” said Susan Hlavacek, NSGA President & CEO. “Interest in senior athletics events is growing in cities across the country, and we saw this reflected in a strong host bid cycle.”

Both communities were named in Sports Business Journal’s “2024 Top Cities for Sports Events” for cities without a Big Five sports team.

Conveniently located in the central United States, Tulsa fuses Southern comfort and cosmopolitan style. Tulsa’s sports resume includes hosting events with IRONMAN, NCAA, PGA, USA Gymnastics, USA Volleyball and more.

“It’s an incredible honor to be chosen to host the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa. A
year ahead of Olympic events taking place in Oklahoma City, Tulsa will host one of the
largest sporting events in the city’s history, putting Oklahoma on center stage in the sports
world for two consecutive years. Thanks to our incredible community partners for helping
bring this inspiring, thrilling sporting event to Tulsa,” shared Joel Koester, Tulsa Sports Commission Director of Sport Sales.

“The National Senior Games are an incredible sporting event, and we’re thrilled to have
them in Tulsa,” said Renee McKenney, Senior VP of Tourism, Tulsa Regional Chamber, and President of Tulsa Regional Tourism. “This is a wonderful example of how Tulsa is a true destination for all. We can’t wait to welcome these amazing athletes and let our local attractions, restaurateurs, hoteliers and business owners shine, showing Tulsa really is the most welcoming city.”

The Birmingham region welcomes over 3.9 million visitors each year and regularly hosts sporting events of all shapes and sizes. Recent multi-sport events in the Magic City include The World Games 2022 and 2024 Transplant Games of America, with the 2025 World Police and Fire Games on the horizon.

“We could not be more excited to welcome the National Senior Games back to Birmingham in 2029,” said John Oros, President & CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is such a special event with an important mission, and it left an incredible legacy when we hosted in 2017 – welcoming more than 10,500 participants and generating $38 million in economic impact for Jefferson County. The Greater Birmingham CVB, in partnership with the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County, can’t wait to provide another exceptional experience that leaves an even bigger impact in 2029, and further establishes Birmingham as a premier destination for sports events.”

“Birmingham is thrilled to welcome the National Senior Games back to the Magic City after a successful event here in 2017,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “Birmingham is quickly establishing itself as the premier sports destination in our region, and it’s only right to keep the spirit of competition and camaraderie alive in 2029. We can’t wait to see what those incredible athletes have in store for us – we’ll be there to cheer them all the way.”

To participate in most sports at the National Senior Games, athletes must qualify at a State Senior Games in the previous year. Dates for the 2027 and 2029 National Senior Games will be announced at a later time.

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About the National Senior Games Association (NSGA)
The National Senior Games Association (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.

About the Tulsa Sports Commission
In 1993, the Tulsa Sports Commission (TSC) was created to attract and develop sporting events and conventions for economic impact on the Tulsa community. Since its inception, the TSC has accounted for more than $500 million in economic impact to the Tulsa region by helping attract, market and host championships and sports-related events and conventions to the region. The TSC is a founding member of the National Association of Sports Commissions and lives within the Tulsa Regional Tourism umbrella organization. Learn more at visittulsa.com/sports.

About Tulsa Regional Tourism
Tulsa Regional Tourism is northeast Oklahoma’s premier accredited destination marketing organization. Housed at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, it includes Visit Tulsa for leisure travel, Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau for meetings & conventions, Tulsa Sports Commission for amateur & pro sports and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (FMAC) for creative industries and accredited film commission. Tulsa Regional Tourism leads the community’s bidding for and hosting of signature events like the PGA Championship, NCAA and BIG 12 Wrestling Championships, USA BMX Grand Nationals, the Arabian Horse Association’s U.S. Nationals and more. For more information, visit visittulsa.com.

About the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) is the official tourism and marketing organization for Birmingham and Jefferson County. Established in 1969, the non-profit agency generates positive economic impact by positioning the Greater Birmingham Region as a premier destination for conventions, sporting events, and domestic and international leisure travel. Birmingham and its neighboring municipalities welcome more than 3.96 million visitors each year, generating $2.52 billion in economic impact. Learn more at birminghamal.org.

Media Contact: Mary Johns
ne**@**ga.com
(727) 510-9199

Humana Announced as Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 National Senior Games

Move continues partnership established in 2007 with National Senior Games Association to encourage healthy lifestyles at every age

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) announced Wednesday that health and well-being company Humana Inc. will again serve as Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 National Senior Games, a biennial Olympic-style multi-sport event for athletes ages 50-100+.

This marks the 10th consecutive Games presented by Humana, which serves the health needs for millions of seniors nationwide through its Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE insurance services and CenterWell healthcare services. Humana’s commitment to the 2025 Games continues a partnership established in 2007.

“For over 15 years, Humana and the National Senior Games Association have stood together to celebrate healthy aging and encourage older adults to stay active,” said Susan Hlavacek, NSGA President and CEO. “We are grateful for Humana’s continued support of the National Senior Games and our incredible athletes who show nothing is impossible.”

The 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, from July 24-Aug. 4, 2025, and is expected to draw more than 11,000 athletes to compete in 26 sports.

“As a champion of seniors and active aging, Humana is proud to continue our longstanding relationship with the NSGA to celebrate the outstanding achievements of these athletes,” said Jeremy Gaskill, President of Humana’s Central Region, which includes Iowa. “We are excited to welcome seniors from all across the country to showcase their commitment to health right here in our nation’s heartland.”

Humana has championed Senior Games athletes through initiatives like the Humana Game Changer program and incorporating their human care approach into personalized experiences at recent National Senior Games.

To compete in most sports at the 2025 National Senior Games, athletes must qualify at a State Senior Games in 2024. Full qualification guidelines can be viewed at NSGA.com/HowToQualify.

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About the National Senior Games Association
The National Senior Games Association, Inc. (NSGA) is a nonprofit corporation that promotes the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness and active aging to adults 50+. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and produces the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world for athletes ages 50+. The Association is comprised of 52 independent Member Games that conduct qualifying competition events. For more information, visit NSGA.com and follow @SeniorGames1 on social media.

About Humana
Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we strive to make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.

Inaugural National Senior Games Week to Promote Opportunities
for Older Adults to Stay Active Through Sports

CLEARWATER, FL – The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is launching a new awareness initiative to celebrate the positive impacts of Senior Games and encourage people ages 50+ to get moving.

National Senior Games Week, held for the first time March 18-24, 2024, will unite organizers, athletes and supporters to share the benefits of active aging through Senior Games.

More than 100,000 individuals participate in Senior Games at the local, state and national level each year. These Olympic-style multi-sport events offer the camaraderie and challenge of competitive sports to older adults while promoting health and well-being.

“National Senior Games Week will highlight how Senior Games organizations around the country improve life for participants and create healthier communities,” said Sue Hlavacek, NSGA president & CEO. “We want to reach everyone with the message that it’s never too late to try a sport, and Senior Games are here to help you start your journey.”

The NSGA, its Member Organizations and partners will host local in-person events and share stories, statistics and opportunities virtually throughout National Senior Games Week.

Benefits of Senior Games for Participants, Communities
Regular exercise provides major health benefits to seniors, yet less than 1 in 4 adults aged 50+ met U.S. physical activity guidelines in 2020. Research from the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam found senior athletes walk at speeds similar to adults in their 30s, have a 70% lower prevalence of diabetes and significantly lower rates of falls than their similarly-aged peers.

At the community level, Senior Games also drive tens of millions of dollars in economic impact and create social capital through intergenerational connections, volunteerism and local programs.

Currently, the NSGA’s independently-run Member Organizations host Senior Games in 48 states and Canada. A championship event, the National Senior Games, takes place in odd years in different host cities. Prospective participants are encouraged to learn more at NSGA.com.

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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 adults 50+. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and governs the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world. The Association is comprised of 52 independent Member Games that conduct qualifying competition events. The 2025 National Senior Games will be held in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, visit NSGA.com and follow @SeniorGames1 on social media.

 

Contact:
Brenda Burns
Publisher
866-572-5633 x230
bb****@********************up.com

 

RICHMOND HILL, Ont.—Thanks to popular vote, 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana will receive a 2024 SportsEvents Readers’ Choice Award in the category of Best Live or Virtual Sporting Event.

Starting in November, event planners and rights holders nominate the individuals, venues, and events they believe deserve special recognition. The nominees are then compiled onto an online ballot where professionals and fans are asked to vote for the best of the best. With 3,000 voters participating in the selection process and the highest social media interaction to date, this has been among the most successful and engaging year yet!

“SportsEvents readers have once again voted to select the top sports events venues, events, partners and planners from across the country, and it is no surprise to us that 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana has been selected to receive an annual Readers’ Choice Award,” said SportsEvents publisher Brenda Burns. “This prestigious recognition comes from top sports events industry professionals who hold events across the U.S. These planners demand the highest level of customer service and quality facilities, and they have determined that they indeed display the commitment to professionalism, creativity, and service that they require.”

Congratulations to 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana for receiving this 2024 Readers’ Choice Award. They will be featured as an award recipient in the February 2024 Awards Issue of SportsEvents magazine.

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The National Senior Games Association announced Wednesday the addition of five sports and four events to the 2025 National Senior Games’ competition lineup, as well as two sports and an event that will be offered for a final time during the 2025 Games.

The biennial multi-sport event for athletes ages 50 and above will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, in the summer of 2025.

New sports to be contested include Beach Volleyball, Billiards (8-Ball), Disc Golf, Powerlifting and Tai Chi. Basketball Skills, Golf Scramble, Non-Ambulatory Pickleball and 1-Mile Road Race will be introduced as additional events for existing sports.

“We are excited to expand the competition offerings for the 2025 National Senior Games and engage more athletes in the Senior Games movement,” said NSGA President & CEO Sue Hlavacek. “Many of these sports and events are popular in local Senior Games, and our event partners in Des Moines fully supported the additions.”

The new competitions will be open to all participants ages 50 and above for the 2025 Games and will not require qualification at an NSGA-sanctioned Senior Games. Specific competition guidelines will be available when the event rule book is published on December 31, 2023.

Sport & Event Additions for 2025 National Senior Games
New Sports	New Sport Events
Beach Volleyball	Basketball Skills
Billiards (8-Ball)	Golf Scramble
Disc Golf	Non-Ambulatory Pickleball
Power Lifting	1-Mile Road Race
Tai Chi

The 2025 National Senior Games will be the final year for Racquetball, Race Walk and Hammer Throw at the national level. The NSGA has monitored these competitions for several years, and their removal beginning in 2027 is due to decreased participation, a lack of viable venues, cost considerations and other factors.

NSGA-sanctioned Senior Games in the United States and Canada are independently organized and determine their own competition lineups. More information can be found on each member’s website.

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DES MOINES, Iowa (July 20, 2023) – The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) announced they will be hosting the National Senior Games in Greater Des Moines in 2025. The NSGA promotes the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness, and active aging to adults 50 years and older. The National Senior Games is the largest multi-sport championship event in the world for adults 50 and over, typically drawing more than 10,000 qualified athletes from every state and beyond to compete in more than 20 sports.

“We are honored to be able to host a world-class event that will bring thousands of inspiring athletes to Des Moines,” said Catch Des Moines President and CEO Greg Edwards, who participated in the passing of the ceremonial torch at current host Pittsburgh’s PNC Park. “From the National Veterans Golden Age Games to the AAU Junior Olympics, we’ve proven to be the perfect host for these types of multi-sport, marquee events, and the Senior Games is yet another opportunity to showcase our first-class venues and vibrant metro.”

National Senior Games athletes will compete at various venues around Greater Des Moines.

“Des Moines is a thriving sports city with all the ingredients – excellent venues, a walkable downtown, and welcoming community – to create a first-rate experience for the 2025 National Senior Games,” said Sue Hlavacek, NSGA Interim CEO. “We are excited to partner with Catch Des Moines to produce this event and know athletes will find many unexpected delights in the region.”
The NSGA sanctions qualifying games through 53 Member Organizations across the U.S. and Canada during even-numbered years, and produces the National Senior Games on odd-numbered years.

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About Catch Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, collectively known as Catch Des Moines, is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 14 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.

About NSGA
The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is a nonprofit corporation that promotes the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness, and active aging to adults 50+. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and governs the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world. The Association is comprised of 52 independent Member Games that conduct qualifying competition events. The 2025 National Senior Games will be held in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, please visit NSGA.com and follow @SeniorGames1 on social media.

More than 11,500 Senior Athletes set to compete

PITTSBURGH, PA – Senior Athletes like to say age is just a number. When you bring 11,576 Senior Athletes together for a display of healthy active aging, it’s a number that really gets your attention.

That’s what Pittsburgh will witness when athletes aged 50 and over compete in 20 medal sports at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana, taking place at venues around the region from July 7-18. Another 15,000 family members and companions are expected to travel with them. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center will serve as the hub of activity, hosting several sports and the popular Village expo area open to the public.

The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) says this represents the fourth largest number in the 35-year history of The Games, and the Olympic-style event is now recognized as the largest qualified multisport event in the world.

“Pittsburgh is the City of Champions and loves their sports,” NSGA Interim CEO Sue Hlavacek said. “We believe this has engaged the city to embrace our athletes. We’re grateful for the community support for the volunteers who are coming out to help.”

The Games are made possible by a partnership with the host community. “Pittsburgh has earned a reputation as a major sports and travel destination, and we’re delighted to welcome the National Senior Games and its inspirational athletes to town,” SportsPITTSBURGH Executive Director Jennifer Hawkins said. “More than 10,000 athletes from all over the country will take part in the competition, which gives us a great opportunity to highlight the importance of health and wellness for those over the age of 50. We are committed to providing the athletes, their supporters and event personnel with a first-class experience on and off the playing fields, showcasing all the great attractions Pittsburgh has to offer.”

 

“Bridging Champions Through the Ages”

Competitions are held in five-year age brackets from 50 to 100+. The oldest competitor is 104-year old track sprinter E. Gerald Meyer of Laramie, Wyoming, who earned one of his degrees at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Three other Centenarians will compete, notably runner Roy Englert of Virginia, one of only two remaining athletes to have competed in every National Senior Games since 1987. Other triple-digit athletes include Ohio bowler Merle Meeder and table tennis player Robert Henry from South Carolina.

The 2023 Theme “Bridging Champions Through the Ages” highlights the many ways that these active older athletes impact the generations. Many children have aged up and joined their parents in the Games, and others teach or work with younger people as role models for successful aging. Pennsylvania’s oldest competitor is Pittsburgh native Jack Eckenrode, who will cycle and run track at age 95 and proudly states, “I have 12 children, 42 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren, and all of them ride bikes like me!”

Hlavacek noted this theme highlights the NSGA mission to promote well-being that goes well beyond hosting athletic competitions. “Senior athletes are not just going for medals, they are also gaining the benefits of social interaction and having goals to motivate them to keep moving,” she said. “It’s a lifelong journey that can begin for anyone, at any skill level, at any age. We hope our examples inspire all aging adults to remain active for life whether they choose to play a sport or do something else recreationally.”

 

Rooftop Torch Relay, Drone Show Kicks Off Special Events and Programs

The Flame Arrival Ceremony is set for Saturday evening, July 8^th at a new rooftop terrace space at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The program will feature a welcome by former Pirates All-Star and World Series champion Steve Blass, and Cherokee cyclist Simeon Gipson will present gifts to Pittsburgh from the Cherokee nation after he made a 1,000 mile bike trek from Oklahoma to Pittsburgh.

The highlight will be a Torch Run that will begin at the Willie Stargell statue by PNC Park and cross the Rachel Carson Bridge into the convention center, arriving at a cauldron specifically homemade in the Steel City. A drone show provided by Sky Elements will close the night in a spectacular setting overlooking the Allegheny River and downtown. The event is free and open to the public.

There will also be a Celebration of Athletes on Friday, July 14^th hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates at the iconic PNC Park, with onfield recognition and the Parade of States happening prior to the game, and then athletes will enjoy the baseball game.

Three other public programs and activities are planned during the Games. Details on these, Village information and more can be found at the Special Events page at NSGA.com.

 

Another major activity at the convention center will be the Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE). SAFE has conducted athlete screenings at The Games since 2011 and reflects NSGA’s mission to promote health and well-being. The ongoing program has produced valuable research metrics about highly active seniors while providing feedback to athletes to help them avoid future sport-related injuries.

 

A Sponsor for the Ages

Humana has been a major sponsor of the National Senior Games for more than 15 years and stands with NSGA to celebrate senior athletes who are demonstrating healthy, active lifestyles. “I am continuously impressed by this generation of seniors who aren’t just aging, they are living vibrant lives. As a champion of seniors, Humana has proudly served as the presenting sponsor of the National Senior Games since 2007 to cheer on these incredible athletes who embody a commitment to an active lifestyle,” said Bruce Broussard, Humana’s CEO. “The more than 11,500 athletes participating in this year’s Games are an inspiration to me, and I hope their stories inspire others to pursue activities that will positively impact their health and well-being.”

Additional partners include SilverSneakers, Arnicare, Jouvalle, Techness Pro, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Growing Bolder, Pennsylvania Lottery, Enterprise Rental Car, UPMC Sports Medicine, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, P3R and SportsPITTSBURGH.

People can follow the action through the Games Daily online news platform with news and links to the Photo Gallery, results and activities information. Find it at this link beginning July 7.  For general information please visit NSGA.com.

 

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The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is a nonprofit Florida corporation that promotes health and well-being for adults 50 and over through education, fitness and sport. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and governs the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world. The Association is comprised of 52 independent Member Games that conduct qualifying competition events. The 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana will be held July 7-18,2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit NSGA.com.

 

MEDIA INFORMATION/CREDENTIALS: Please visit the Press Room page at NSGA.com for contacts and information.

Tournament had many Ohio connections

When senior Softball came to Columbus, Ohio for the 2023 National Senior Games Softball Championship presented by Humana, it became apparent there were a lot of direct and coincidental connections to the Buckeye State.

More than 1,500 athletes age 50 and older from around the country competed for age division medals at the Lou Berliner Sports Park between May 3-6. The event included 94 teams, 73 female and 21 male.

Thirteen teams and a total of 163 athletes (more than ten percent of the national tournament) were Ohio-based, including eight Columbus area athletes.

“That’s an impressive showing for the host state,” National Senior Games Association (NSGA) Interim CEO Sue Hlavacek commented. “The in-staters knew what a great playing venue Berliner is, and our visiting athletes appreciated the consistent fields and amenities. We really wanted to hit a home run with this event, and based on the feedback I think our team created a great athlete experience.”

There’s more to the Ohio theme. The oldest player was 92-year-old Joanne Sogan of North Cantion, Ohio. Her team, the Ohio Tri Stars, had the highest average team age at 81.2 years. Add to this the coincidence that Hlavacek is an Ohio native who lives in Cleveland, and that Jack Shinnock, Chair of the NSGA Board of Directors, resides in the Columbus area.

 

The week began with early rain and temperatures in the 40’s on Wednesday, but when the sun came out the players enjoyed three days of great softball weather through Saturday. With the weather forecast showing heavy rain on Sunday, Hlavacek met with Tournament Director Dana Brown, the Ohio USA Softball Commissioner and Team Captains who agreed it was best to play out the remaining championship brackets on Saturday evening to avoid long weather delays. “Berliner features turf infields and the outfields have excellent drainage, but we all felt it was best to continue the games,” Hlavacek noted.

 

For the May 5^th Athlete Celebration players were treated to a baseball game between the Columbus Clippers and the Iowa Cubs. A line of more than 1,000 players stretched the entire perimeter of the outfield fence at Huntington Park for the pregame Parade of States. The joy of being together for another National Senior Games was apparent as they marched around and up to their complimentary seats.

The event earned media coverage in the state, including the syndicated Ohio Sports Magazine radio show interview with Communications and Media Director Del Moon (listen here). Two TV stations came out to cover the event. Cam Fontana with Fox 28’s morning show in Columbus featured five live segments from the park, including interview with Joanne Sogan plus interviews with staff and athletes. The highlight was Cam taking an at bat against the 75+ Tri Stars and getting legitimately put out at third base after smacking a screaming liner into left center.

There was another great feature on Sogan by ABC 10’s Amy Steigerwald which you can view here. Columbus Business Now also published a nice article (sorry, it’s only available for subcribers.)

NSGA will also post a 2023 Softball Photo Gallery online soon.

The event is tied to the biennial National Senior Games, one of the largest multisport events in the world since 1987. The 2023 Games are set for July 7-18 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with 20 sports to be contested there. However, when it was determined that there were not enough competition-ready senior softball fields to accommodate the number of teams, the Pittsburgh host organization and NSGA agreed moving the softball competition to the Berliner Sports Park in Columbus would ensure the athletes would have an excellent experience.

NSGA thanks the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and the City of Columbus for partnering with us to host the Championship. GCSC Marketing Manager Matthew McGreevey commented to local media that they expect the economic impact from the tournanment to approach $2 million.

 

2023 Softball Champions

With five-year age levels, some having more than one division, there were many teams who received Gold Medals, as listed below.

AGE DIVISION    GOLD MEDAL TEAM  STATE

Women

W 50+ Div I          Stix With Impact         CA

W 50+ Div II        NC Legends                   NC

W 50+ Div III       Illinois Dirt Divas        IL

W55+ Div I            Jolico 55’s                     MI

W 55+ Div II         Slugger Strong             FL

W 55+ Div III       Tennesee Stars             TN+

W60+ Div I           Golden Players 60       FL

W 60+ Div II        Gems Next Level          VA

W 60+ Div III      Cappers                           FL

W65+ Div I           Jolico 65                         MI

W 65+ Div II        Whynots                         NC

W 65+ Div III      Wannabees 65+            NC

W70+ Div. I         California Spirit 70       CA

W 70+ Div. II      Ohio Cardinals              OH

W 70+ Div lII      Ohio Silver Spirit 70    OH

W75+                    Golden Players 75         FL

 

MEN

M60+ Div I          Radcliffe Realty                            MD

M 60+ Div II       Pittsburgh North                          PA

M65+                    Omega IT Services                       MD

M70+ Div. I         Delaware Stars                             DE

M 70+ Div. II      South Carolina Upstate              SC

M75+                    Chicago Strikers (Tie)                 IL

Steel City (Tie)                             PA

 

Complete results can be found at the QuickScores website link here.  For more information about National Senior Games please visit NSGA.com.

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ABOUT NSGA

The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is a member of the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Committee Affiliate Organization Committee. NSGA is a nonprofit Florida corporation that promotes health and well-being for adults 50 and over through education, fitness and sport. NSGA governs the biennial National Senior Games, the largest multi-sport championship event in the world. The Association is comprised of 52 independent Member Games that conduct qualifying competition events, and the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana will be held July 7-18, 2023. For more information, please visit NSGA.com.

 

ABOUT THE GREATER COLUMBUS SPORTS COMMISSION

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission is a nonprofit organization with a mission to rally Columbus to compete and win sporting events, providing a singular athlete and fan experience and positively impacting image, economy and lifestyle. Since 2002, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission has booked nearly 600 new sporting events for the Columbus Region, generating an estimated $625 million in direct visitor spending. Visit columbussports.org to learn more. 

 

Media Information:

NSGA.com/press-room

Ne**@**GA.com