Old in Age, Young at Heart: The 2019 Huntsman World Senior Games

Over 11,000 athletes, including over 50 from Cedar City, flocked to southern Utah for the kickoff of the Huntsman World Senior Games on Tuesday, Oct. 8 in St. George, Utah.

The games are the largest event of their kind offered for athletes age 50 and above. This year also took the gold by hosting a record number of registered participants and featured athletes from all 50 states and more than 29 different countries.

Thirty-two different events are offered for athletes competing in this year’s games, including several unique sports such as horseshoes, square dancing, trail running and shuffleboard.

Along with the athletic events, band concerts, award socials and dances are offered to participants, fostering a healthy social atmosphere for participants.

“Many, many of our athletes consider the Huntsman World Senior Games a family reunion that they look forward to each year. They want to see their friends. Our volunteers get in on that fun as well. They interact with other volunteers and the athletes, staying socially healthy along the way,” said Kyle M. Case, the CEO for the Huntsman World Senior Games.

The Huntsman World Senior Games is not only a benefit for the athletes, but for the community. The World Senior Games annually brings in an estimated $17 million in direct economic impact to the area.

In addition to the events and opening ceremony celebration, the community is encouraged to attend a free concert and celebration hosted by the World Senior Games on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Dixie State University Burns Arena. This year’s celebration will feature the Billy Joel tribute band, Joel the Band.