City of Visalia Prepares for Fifth Annual Senior Games

The 2020 Visalia Senior Games, the Central Valley's only senior games, will be held at various locations in Visalia on March 21-22 and 28-29.

The inaugural Senior Games, which were held in October 2015, were considered a success, attracting athletes from 50 California cities. A total of 237 athletes participated, including some traveling from as far as Oregon and Texas.

The event has continued to grow and the 2019 event saw a total of 550 athletes participate, representing 86 California cities. Event organizers with the City of Visalia Parks & Recreation Department expect the number to increase this year as well.

"We're excited to host the 5th Annual Visalia Senior Games," said Maggie Kalar, City of Visalia Parks & Recreation Department Supervisor. "We expect to see hundreds of local participants and seniors from throughout the state, as well as a few from outside of California again."

The 2020 games have a full list of events slated over the two weekends, bringing back such favorites as: archery, bowling, 5k/10k cycling time trials, disc golf, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, softball, swimming, table tennis, track & field, and trap shoot.

One new event will be added this year as the Visalia Senior Games committee will host racquetball players from the area and around the state.

Registration is now open and those interested in competing in the Senior Games can register one of two ways: in person at the Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob St., Visalia; or online at http://www.visaliaseniorgames.com.

March 5th is the deadline for registering for most of the events. However, some events allow registration through check-in on the day of the event – as space allows.

There are other ways to get involved in the 2020 Senior Games besides competing.

"Businesses or organizations that would like to partner with the games can become an event sponsor," said Kalar. "In order to host the event, we need the support of the community and we look forward to bringing businesses together with our athletes. We are excited to announce that Kaweah Delta is our presenting sponsor once again for our 5th Annual Visalia Senior Games."

For more information about competing, volunteering or becoming a sponsor, contact the Visalia Parks and Recreation Department at (559) 713-4395 or recreation@visalia.city, or visit http://www.visailaseniorgames.com.