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 since 2013.
Sue is a seasoned athletics professional – from her start as a player in the first U.S. women’s professional basketball league to working as a coach, educator and athletic administrator at the high school and collegiate levels before joining the NSGA.
Meet Sue and learn about her vision for getting older adults active and involved in competitive sports in this Q&A.
Athlete of the Month
James Lewis Finds Senior Games – and a Beautiful Box of Crayons
James Lewis, 68, is a newcomer to the National Senior Games, but a lifelong devotee to the game of basketball. The sport helps the Illinois native work on different aspects of his life – physical, mental and social – and he is committed to getting other seniors moving.
Read how James, a Masters Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, maintains a healthy perspective on competing in this Athlete of the Month feature. You also need to read to find out why he talks about Crayons when describing The Games!
Games Updates
Anchors Away! Mediterranean Cruise Winner
Congratulations to Darrel Artrip for winning a Mediterranean cruise from Team Travel Source, the NSGA’s Housing Partner for the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Darrel is a Golf athlete and was entered in the drawing when he booked lodging for the National Senior Games through TTS. Happy sailing!
More Opportunities to Compete in 2023
There are still opportunities to compete in your favorite sport or try a new game at a State Senior Games this year. See if a Senior Games are happening near you or find another state to visit on our website.
Note: 2023 is not a qualifying year for the 2025 National Senior Games, but there are still plenty of reasons to play!
Health and Well-Being
More Than Exercise: Seven Dimensions for True Wellness
Although exercise truly is medicine and sports contribute to better physical health, athletes can still benefit from enhancing their overall wellness. Recent emphasis on mental health by Olympic and professional athletes illustrates the importance of a wellness mindset in sustaining the ability to compete at optimal levels.
Explore the seven dimensions of wellness through examples from National Senior Games participants and identify areas to improve your personal well-being in this blog from NSGA Health & Well-Being Director Andrew Walker.
Practical Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Falling
Myth: Falls are a natural part of aging.
Fact: Many falls are preventable.
While research from the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) found National Senior Games athletes report falling less than the general population, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk.
- Add strength and balance exercises into your routine. Tai chi and yoga are great options.
- Have your vision and hearing checked annually.
- Remove tripping hazards from your home.
Read more fall-prevention strategies from the National Council on Aging this Falls Prevention Awareness Week.
Sponsor Spotlight
5 Things SilverSneakers Instructors Know That Other Trainers Don’t
What makes SilverSneakers classes so special? They’re led by supportive instructors who are specially trained in senior fitness.
No matter what your goal, SilverSneakers classes—in person or in your living room—can help you reach it. You’ll have SilverSneakers instructors who are specially trained in senior fitness to guide and support you.
Association News
NSGA Staff Updates
After serving 10 years as the NSGA’s Director of Communications & Media, Del Moon has stepped down to a part-time capacity to open space to pursue other passions. Del shared the stories of countless athletes over the years and garnered major media attention for The Games. In his new role as NSGA Public Relations Specialist, Del will write athlete features and consult on special projects.
Mary Johns is now serving in the Director of Communications & Media role. She is already strongly connected to the NSGA’s mission, having worked on the Media Center team for every National Senior Games since 2015. Mary’s background includes working in strategic communications, public affairs and storytelling for nonprofits.
NSGA Official Partners
Health & Well-Being Partners
NSG Sport Partners
