National Senior Games Earn Fifth “Champion of Economic Impact” Award
The National Senior Games have been recognized once again as a win for host communities. The multi-sport championship for athletes 50 and over was recently named as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism for the fifth time by Sports Destination Management. The 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana, held in Des Moines,
- Published in News and Events
Skilled and Chilled: “Drea C” Takes the Pressure Off on the Track
November 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Andrea Collier, 59 Orlando, Florida Many athletes have to overcome feelings of anticipation and stress when they compete. The pressure to perform can be even more intense for elite athletes who chase medals and records after months and years of serious training and preparation.
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Born to Coach
By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Donald Widener, 68 Suffolk, Virginia Not everyone knows what they want to do with their life as a young teen, but Donald Widener did – with a little help from his sister and a perceptive coach. Donald almost didn’t make it out of the hospital – he was a premature
- Published in Personal Best Featured Athletes
Understanding Ageism and How You Can Promote Age Inclusivity
By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Older adults often experience ageism—being stereotyped or discriminated against in ways that negatively impact their health and well-being. In recognition of Ageism Awareness Day, the American Society on Aging (ASA) recently shared key findings on the impact of ageism: The Impact of Ageism Financial well-being:
- Published in Health & Well-Being
Davis Johnson is Going the Distance for Disc Golf
October 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Davis Johnson, 75 Monson, Massachusetts From the time he laid hands on his first Frisbee in 1965, Davis Johnson became obsessed with throwing it as far as he could. That would lead to getting his name into the Guinness Book of World Records as
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Better Balance Supports Sports Performance and Daily Living
By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) states that neuromuscular training—alongside cardiorespiratory, resistance and flexibility exercise—is essential for maintaining health. A core component of neuromuscular training is balance, which is especially important for both sports performance and falls prevention in senior athletes. Good balance is
- Published in Health & Well-Being
Still Competing at 100: Meet National Senior Games Centenarians
Do you want to live to be 100? Many people aspire to reach this impressive milestone, and we celebrate those who do with well-deserved fanfare. Turning 100 is a feat only a small sliver – 0.03% of the U.S. population – achieves. Even smaller is the number of centenarians who still compete in sports! Several
- Published in News and Events
159 New NSGA Records Notched at 2025 Games
Athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana produced impressive performances, including achieving 159 new event records during the 12-day championship in Iowa. Swimming led the count with 55 new National Senior Games Association (NSGA) records set at the Wellmark YMCA in downtown Des Moines. Charlotte Davis of Washington wowed in her first
- Published in News and Events
Determined Pickleballer Works Through Disability to Compete
September 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Diane Stelpflug, 65 New Berlin, Wisconsin Watching Diane Stelpflug enter the Iowa Events Center for Pickleball at the National Senior Games with a pronounced limp, one might easily assume she was a spectator toting gear for a friend. But a remarkable transformation takes place
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Optimal Aging at the 2025 National Senior Games
By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being The Senior Games movement celebrates active aging, fosters social connection and empowers older adults by providing opportunities to engage in competitive sports. A key part of our health and well-being goals for the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana was to offer activities that
- Published in Health & Well-Being