Athletes to Gather in Visalia for 2020 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.

Nearly 200 athletes are already registered for the 2020 games, and many more are expected to register before the March 6th registration deadline.

Visalia Senior Games promote a healthy, active lifestyle for adults ages 50 and better. This is an event that not only recognizes active seniors but draws attendees from all over California and the western United States, contributing to our local economy. Participants do not need prior athletic or competition experience, just a love of sports, fitness and camaraderie, to enjoy the games.

Pickleball, swimming and track & field are the most popular events so far, based on the number of athletes registered.

The youngest athlete registered is 50 years of age, the oldest is 83. Registrants are from as far north as Citrus Heights, and as far south as San Diego. Athletes are also coming from Nevada and Arizona to compete.

The 5th Annual Visalia Senior Games will feature events ranging from archery to swimming to track & field, and a newly added event this year – racquetball.

"We are very excited to bring the Visalia Senior Games back to the Central Valley and to the City of Visalia," said Recreation Supervisor Maggie Kalar. "We look forward to hosting hundreds of athletes from throughout the state and beyond."

According to organizers, the 2020 Visalia Senior Games relies heavily on the support of volunteers and sponsors to make the event a success. This year's event is presented by Kaweah Delta and is supported in part by Park Visalia, Quail Park Communities, American Ambulance, Exeter District Ambulance, Southern Sierra Cyclists, The Good Life, CourseCo, Valley Public Radio and Sierra Pacific Orthopedics.

The organizing committee is welcoming volunteers to assist at some of the athletic events and with putting together athlete's welcome packets. No previous experience is required to sign-up to volunteer. Volunteers do not even have to be sports fans to sign-up, however, the minimum age to volunteers is 16. Volunteering for the Visalia Senior Games can fulfill school community service requirements.

Registration for the 5th Annual Visalia Senior Games is open through Friday, March 6th. Some sports will accept day of competition registration as space allows. Athletes are encouraged to register early.

Registration can be done in person at 345 N. Jacob St., Visalia, or online at http://www.visaliaseniorgames.com. American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and checks with proper ID are accepted.

For information on competing or volunteering, call the Visalia Parks & Recreation Department at (559) 713-4365, email recreation@visalia.city or visit http://www.visaliaseniorgames.com.

The website has a registration form, rules for each event, and photos and results from the 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2015 Visalia Senior Games.