| Huntsman World Senior Games | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Dates | October 4–16, 2021 |
| Host city | St. George, Utah, United States |
| Venue | Greater Zion Stadium and other venues |
| Level | Senior |
| Type | Senior Olympics |
| Events | 34 |
The World Senior Games (since 1989 Huntsman World Senior Games for sponsorship reasons) is the largest annual multi-sport senior competition in the world. Most participants are U.S. citizens, but athletes from Canada, Australia, Russia, Japan and several other countries also participate. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] The Games was founded in 1987 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, "with the mission to foster worldwide peace, health and friendship and lead the world in active aging. [8] All athletes aged 50 and over, of all skill levels, are eligible to compete. [9] No pre-qualification is necessary. [10] In addition to self-registered entries, invitation-only tournaments are also included, such as the Global Cup World Senior Volleyball Championships. [11] [12]
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In 2018, 11,033 athletes from around the world participated, including 349 softball teams and 213 volleyball teams. [13] [14] [15] [16] Following the tradition of the Olympic Games, opening ceremonies are held at Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, and feature a parade of athletes and a fireworks display. [17] [18] Singing and dancing performances at the opening ceremonies are provided by the performing arts studio Diamond Talent. [19]
In many events, U.S. competitors' results from the competition serve to qualify for the biennial National Senior Games. [20] Swimming events are eligible for setting masters swimming records. [21]
In 1989 Jon Huntsman Sr. of the Huntsman Corporation became the Games' title sponsor. [22] The 2016 games had competitors from 34 countries in 29 sports, the oldest Daniel Bulkley, aged 99. [23] The 2020 competition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [24] The World Senior Games annually brings in an estimated $17 million in direct economic impact to the St. George community. [25] Brigham Young University students have provided free health screenings, conducted research at the games and published findings in peer-reviewed journals, and are a major source of volunteers at the competition. [26]
