The inaugural Visalia Senior
Games is now history. Over 250 people registered for these games, with
competition spread out over four days. The competitors came from all over
California and as far away as Oregon and Texas. From those who have
attended senior games elsewhere, 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.
From various businesses
throughout the community, we raised $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.
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 a parade. Included in the Wednesday opening ceremony
were speeches, 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 Garden Street Plaza downtown featuring
appetizers by the local Lion 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, 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 other golfers at the clubhouse looked enviously at his medal and
realized that they could have probably 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 cash
was generated. Funds raised were sufficient to cover the cost of putting
on the event while using no city monies.
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 committee from the community and enthusiastically
donated their time to make this 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.
We've challenged each participant 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 an
economic stimulus for our city.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
Editorial, Visalia Times Delta 10/31/15
