Thousands competing in 35th annual Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George
Oct 6, 2022, 2:34 PM | Updated: Oct 12, 2022, 10:49 am
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Seniors from all over the world have traveled to southern Utah to play in the 35th annual Huntsman Senior Games.
“The size of the games are compared to the Olympics, but this is for those 50-plus,” said Kyle Chase, CEO of the Huntsman Senior Games.
He said this year, they broke a record with more than 11,000 athletes registered.
“We are celebrating life, and aging with determination, that’s what the games are all about,” Chase said.
The games have 35 different sports, including softball.
Mike Smith has been coming to play softball in the games for 18 years.
“It’s one of my favorite sports, and I use to be pretty good at it,” Smith said.
He loves the comradery of playing in the games.
“Hardly any of us have got all of our original parts but we are just out there giving it up as slowly as possible,” Smith said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, regular physical activity is one of the most important things for us as we get older. It can prevent or delay many of the health problems that seem to come with age.
“Senior athletes have lower anxiety, depression and lower risk of suicide,” Chasse said.
The Huntsman World Senior Games run through Oct. 15 and admission is free and open to anyone who wants to watch the events.
