Volunteers are the backbone of The Games, ensuring that events run as smoothly as possible and every athlete has a chance to shine.
The energy of the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana isn’t just on the courts and fields, it radiates from the volunteers who make it all possible. From seasoned veterans to families, these dedicated individuals are the backbone of The Games.
Take Murphy and Madeline Whitsitt, the father-daughter duo from Urbandale, Iowa, whose journey to volunteering started with seeing a social media post. Madeline, 16, admits she initially pictured a gathering of “retired Olympic athletes.” What she found, however, was a vibrant community of everyday people pushing their limits.
“It might seem scary to go and do something important,” Madeline reflected, “But once you get out there it’s really fun.” Her father, Murphy, echoed her sentiment, valuing the chance to “give back to the community and spend time with my daughter.” For them, serving in their hometown has revealed the incredible spirit of The Games, where older athletes perform impressive and inspiring feats.
This spirit of dedication and community is also embodied by people like Debra Johnson, 68, from Atlanta, Georgia. Not only is she a long-time volunteer (since 2017!), she is also a fierce athlete.
For Debra, volunteering is an integral part of her everyday life, a vital way to support the activities and events she loves. She notes that The Games “do not have enough staff to accommodate every event,” which underscores the critical role volunteers like her play in ensuring The Games run as smoothly as possible.
Champions extend beyond the medal stand – they are volunteers like Murphy, Madeline and Debra. Their selfless dedication and willingness to give their time is a reminder that the spirit of community, active living and generosity is for every age.
By: Danielle Brown
