The inaugural Visalia Senior Games are now history. Over 250 people registered for these games, with competition spread out over four days. The competitors came from 50 cities throughout California and as far away as Oregon and Texas. We heard nothing but compliments about how smoothly our games were run and how much fun they were. For results and pictures, visit visaliaseniorgames.com.
The largest sports group were those playing pickleball, with 141 entries. Remember that many people competed in multiple events. Participating were 107 from Tulare County of which 83 were from Visalia, 88 from the valley, and 40 from elsewhere throughout the state.
Various business sponsors from throughout the community contributed $16,650.00 in cash, as well as over $5,000.00 of in-kind donations. I particularly want to thank Marilyn Mitchell and Jostens for their valiant effort at the last minute to get out a multi-page, full color brochure for the participants, and Kaweah Delta Health Care District for being our principal sponsor.
We couldn't have been blessed with better weather, sunny and in the 80's the entire time. At registration, competitors were given a goody bag that included a colorful, high quality Senior Games tee shirt, coupons, the brochure, welcome packet and other information. At the opening ceremonies at Riverway Sports Park, there was a torch lighting and parade, speeches, an honor guard, the Mighty Oaks Barber Shop singers, and a drum team, followed by a tri-tip barbeque catered by Tres Bien. Friday evening was a second social, this time at the downtown Garden Street Plaza featuring appetizers by the local Lions clubs and music by "Borrowed Time."
The registration fee was $25.00, plus an additional fee for each event participated in. One friend asked me why it cost so much. I indicated that for the price, the athletes not only got to compete, but received medals, shirts, goody bags, a dinner and the Friday night social. This compares favorably to other senior games, such as the Huntsman Games in southern Utah, where the basic registration fee is $100.00, plus extras.
City manager Mike Olmos, a last minute entrant in golfing, picked up a gold medal. Afterwards, he indicated that the other golfers at the clubhouse looked enviously at his medal, saw the scores, realized that they could have likely medaled in their own age groups as well, and promised to participate next time.
Including sponsorships, ad sales, donations, registration fees and merchandise sales, $29,000.00 in total cash was generated. Monies raised were sufficient to cover the cost of putting on the event while using no city funds.
I particularly want to compliment the Parks & Recreation Dept. for the wonderful job they did in putting on these almost perfect Senior Games, especially since this was our first attempt. Also, I'd like to thank all of those who volunteered, and served on the senior games planning committee, enthusiastically donating their time to make this event a success.
We are looking forward to putting on the second Visalia Senior Games. Planning is already under way. Items under consideration include additional sporting events (e.g. track and field, swimming, disc golf, foot golf), and changing the date to the springtime so as not to conflict with other events. Now that we have the website up and running, the templates, the welcome packet and brochure, and other logistics figured out, next time will be even bigger and better. Senior Games have a social aspect to them, we couldn't have had a nicer group of people visiting Visalia. And they motivate seniors to stay in shape and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. We've challenged each of this year's participants to bring at least one friend with them next time, which by itself would double our numbers.
Remember, as the Visalia Senior Games motto says, "Winning Never Gets Old." Thanks again to everyone for making this a successful inaugural event. We look forward to it growing over the years, and becoming a signature event and a local economic stimulus.
In conclusion, at this holiday time, I wish all Visalians a special season of friends, family and peace.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
