Special events and exhibitions hosted during the National Senior Games offer athletes and fans opportunities to celebrate together, experience the host city in new ways and build their health and wellness.
The Village
MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex (6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266)
The Village is the hub of activity for The Games, offering athlete check-in, vendors, activities, interactive displays and more. The Village is free and open to both athletes and the public. View hours for The Village on the general schedule.
Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE)
July 23, 2025: 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
July 24-Aug. 2, 2025: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex (6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266)
The Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam is a free fitness screening for athletes administered by physical therapy volunteers. The SAFE takes 30 minutes to complete and measures cardiovascular, muscular, flexibility and balance fitness. Participants receive a report card with scores based on data from other National Senior Games athletes and personalized guidance from physical therapy volunteers.
Provided in partnership with APTA Geriatrics.
Mile for the Ages
Friday, July 25, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Iowa State Capitol Grounds (1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319)
Mile for the Ages is a NEW special event at the National Senior Games bringing generations together through movement! This one-mile run/walk is open to National Senior Games athletes, their families and friends, and Des Moines community members. It will be held in conjunction with the 1-Mile Road Race competition and immediately before the Flame Arrival Ceremony. Find registration information and more details at NSGA.com/Mile-for-the-Ages.
Sneakers4Good
Do a good deed and keep sneakers and running shoes out of landfills with the National Senior Games’ sneaker reuse program. Drop worn shoes in a Sneakers4Good collection box at the finish of the Mile for the Ages from 4:30-7:30 p.m. By partnering with Sneakers4Good, NSGA is helping to share recycled sneakers or running shoes with those in need.
Flame Arrival Ceremony
Friday, July 25, 2025, 7 p.m.
Iowa State Capitol (E Locust St & E 7th St, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319)
Let’s get the party started! The Flame Arrival Ceremony celebrates the opening of The Games as the torch flame arrives and is used to light the ceremonial cauldron.
Food trucks will be onsite. Bring your water bottle to use at refill stations!
This event is free and open to both athletes and the public.
Optimal Aging Day in Iowa
Friday, July 25, 2025, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Iowa State Capitol Grounds
While you’re at the Capitol for Mile for the Ages and the Flame Arrival Ceremony, check out interactive health and well-being activities, screenings, assessments and resources provided in partnership with the University of Iowa Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence and local health providers. This event is free and open to athletes and the public.
Celebration of Athletes
Monday, July 28, 2025. Parade of Athletes staging begins at 5:45 p.m. Program begins at 6:15 p.m.
Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park (2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321)
The Celebration of Athletes is a combined opening and closing ceremony that celebrates the achievements of National Senior Games athletes. This is where the pageantry happens, including a stirring Parade of Athletes by state/country and a warm welcome from the host city and dignitaries. Enjoy music from M4, food trucks, Iowa-themed photo opportunities and more!
Schedule:
- 4 p.m. – Biergarten opens
- 5 p.m. – Food trucks open (Lacheles, Off the Griddle, Whip Delight)
- 5:45 p.m. – Parade of Athletes staging begins
- 6:15 p.m. – Program begins
- 7:30-8:30 p.m. – M4 band performs
- 9 p.m. – Biergarten and food trucks close
Bring your water bottle to use at refill stations! This event is free and open to public.
Tai Chi Skill Builder Workshop
Friday, July 25, 2025, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, 2nd Floor Soccer Field Overlook
Open to registered Tai Chi competitors and Taiji for Health instructors.
The Tai Chi Skill Builder Workshop will increase participants’ understanding of fundamental Tai Chi principles across multiple styles including Yang, Chen, Sun and Wu. Workshop facilitator, Master Zhen Kang Sun, will provide beginners and advanced practitioners with tips to increase their performance abilities. By the end of the workshop, participants will have enhanced their Tai Chi competition and teaching abilities.
“Team Dream” Documentary Iowa Premiere
Saturday, July 26, 6:30 p.m.
DMACC Urban Campus, 1100 7th St. Bldg 1, Room 141/142, Des Moines, IA 50314
Join us for the Iowa premiere of “Team Dream,” an award-winning short film that follows two women swimmers from Chicago on a journey to compete and medal in the National Senior Games. After the screening, a panel and the audience will discuss themes of positive aging, women in sports and the role of physical activity in later life. This special event honors the achievements of the pioneering pre-Title IX women of the National Senior Games.
Parking is available in Lot A, directly south of Building 1.
Competition Tips from Olympians and Guided Mindfulness Session
Wednesday, July 30, 6:30 p.m.
DMACC Boone Campus, 1125 Hancock Dr., Boone, IA, 50036
U.S. Olympians Thomas Hill (’72) and Ed Banach (’84), along with USA Badminton Medical Lead Dr. Rajeev Trehan will offer tips on mental performance for athletes. NSGA Director of Health and Well-Being, Andrew Walker, MPH, will guide participants in mindfulness-based stress reduction and meditation.
Directions: Please enter through Door 8, located in the northeast area of the building. Ample parking is available in the nearby Northeast Parking Lot.