The spirit of perseverance, overcoming obstacles and offering a role model to others are key aspects of NSGA’s new definition of personal best. These are common traits with most senior athletes, and they show it in myriad ways. Case in point: John Morgan, Jr., the latest athlete featured when the Personal Best Tour visited The Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah.
NSGA CEO Marc T. Riker (above, left) presented a Personal Best Award to Morgan (center) with assistance by Kyle Case, CEO of the Huntsman Games and a member of NSGA’s Board of Directors before a gathering of more than 200 at the Dixie Center, the registration and social hub for the games which feature a uniquely international flavor. 10,000 athletes from more than 50 countries come to southwest Utah to compete annually.
The 90 year old tennis player has not only participated in all but one of the Huntsman Games over its 27 year history, he also founded them and in the process helped transform St. George into a recreation and retirement destination. Morgan also helped forge partnership with NSGA to make Huntsman to official qualifying state event for Utah.
“Every state has its pioneers of the senior games movement who followed through on a vision to organize competitive and fun sporting events to promote healthy aging,”
Riker said. “In recognizing John Morgan Jr. we also call attention to all of the heroes whose Personal Best spirit brought senior games into being for their states.”
Our presentation attracted good media attention, including coverage by two newspapers and Fox13 TV News based in Salt Lake City four hours away. The Spectrum, Gannett’s regional print and online news outlet, highlighted NSGA’s health and fitness mission. Read it here. In addition, Morgan and Case were featured guests for BYU’s Talk Worthy 30 minute radio show that airs on Sirius XM.
The tour visit also provided the opportunity for NSGA staff members to observe competition and to share and compare information with staff of the Huntsman Games. “The city and region really supports their games. It’s incredible to see how much focus St. George places on health and fitness with their parks, recreation and sport facilities,” Riker noted. “It’s a community that offers an active quality of life for people and that others should emulate.”
