“I Was Never Alone”: Softball Team Bolsters Player Through Breast Cancer Journey

October 2023 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA PR Specialist Janet Mitchell, 67 Gaithersburg, Maryland It’s not easy to deal with the shock of a breast cancer diagnosis, but Janet Mitchell says softball and her team helped her overcome the challenge five years ago. Janet hardly knows a time when she wasn’t on

Two women side by side on a paved road smile mid stride as they compete in the Power Walk competition at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.

Play a Sport to Move More (6 Steps to Get Started)

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Whether you are 50 or 90, it’s not too late to try a sport or new game. Although many adults change the way they have fun through sports by becoming spectators, you are never too old to experience the joy of playing sports. I saw

James Lewis Finds Senior Games – and a Beautiful Box of Crayons

September 2023 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA PR Specialist James Lewis, 68 Harvey, Illinois No one loves basketball more than James Lewis, and it has been a constant presence in his life. One testimonial to this is his induction into the Masters Basketball Association Hall of Fame. Yet, as deep as his

NSGA President & CEO Sue Hlavacek (right) and Track & Field athlete Lillian Atchley pose together in the convention center at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.

Seven Questions with NSGA CEO Sue Hlavacek

The National Senior Games Association’s new President & CEO, Sue Hlavacek, is a familiar face with a fresh perspective on getting older adults active and involved in competitive sports. Before stepping into the permanent CEO role last month, Sue spent 10 years leading NSGA’s events and programs, including coordinating all sport competitions for the National

Simeon Gipson rounds a corner on his bike during the 40K Cycling race at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.

Wellness Dimensions in the Senior Games

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being Research shows a strong association between participation in Senior Games sports and the physical dimension of wellness. Data from the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) conducted at the National Senior Games reveal senior athletes have high levels of cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility and balance. Although

The Long Run September 2023

Susan Hlavacek Named NSGA President & CEO We’re thrilled to announce Susan Hlavacek as the National Senior Games Association’s new President and CEO. Sue was appointed to the position by the NSGA’s Board of Directors on Aug. 18, 2023, after serving as Interim President & CEO since Oct. 2022. She has been with the organization

National Senior Games Association Names Susan Hlavacek as President & CEO

National Senior Games Association Names Susan Hlavacek as President & CEO Hlavacek is the first woman to lead the organization CLEARWATER, FL – The National Senior Games Association, Inc. announced today the appointment of Susan Hlavacek as president & CEO by its board of directors effective Aug. 18, 2023. Hlavacek has served as the NSGA’s

Results & Records: Eckenrode Cycles into History, Race Walk and Power Walk Pick up the Pace at 2023 National Senior Games

The City of Champions added many new champions to its sports history as Pittsburgh hosted the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana last month. Jack Eckenrode, the native Pittsburgher who started his Senior Games career in 2005 when the Games were first hosted in the Steel City, tops the achievement list for becoming the

The Long Run August 2023

Thank You for the Memories, Pittsburgh! Next Stop: Des Moines The 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana were an unforgettable 12 days of competition and camaraderie in the Ste el City. The Pittsburgh community welcomed athletes with open arms as they displayed their personal bests, reunited with old friends, built new connections and bridged

Beyond Economic Impact: Senior Games Produce Social Capital and Health Dividends

By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being The National Senior Games have a solid track record of producing positive economic impact for host cities, and the most recent Games in Pittsburgh should prove no different. But anyone involved with the Senior Games knows its purpose is deeper than dollar signs. The movement celebrates