WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Washington County, Utah)
HUNTSMAN WORLD SENIOR GAMES
(aka WORLD SENIOR GAMES, HUNTSMAN SENIOR GAMES)
St. George, Utah
LOCATION
Huntsman World Senior Games1070 West 1600 South, A-103
St. George, UT 84770
(435)674-0550
(800-562-1268
hwsg@seniorgames.net
http://www.seniorgames.net
The games are held in and around St. George, Utah. Competition begins on the first Monday after the first Saturday in October of each year and go to the Saturday of the following week.
HISTORY
The Huntsman World Senior Games, as it is known today, began in 1987 as the World Senior Games, an international senior sports competition. Founded by Daisy and John H. Morgan, Jr., the Games began with their vision of an international sports event for men and women ages 55 and better. Both agreed that the golden years were better when good health and physical fitness became a way of life, not an occasional hobby.In 1989 Jon M. Huntsman, Chairman of the Huntsman Corporation, became the Games' principal sponsor after recognizing that the Games not only fostered lifetime fitness, but also expanded Utah's economic vitality. A proud supporter of the Games, the Huntsman family continues to open the Games personally, with a warm welcome to the athletes and the lighting of the torch in traditional Olympic fashion during the Opening Ceremonies.
Since its inception, the Games have been open to all men and women meeting the age requirement. The second year of the Games the age requirement was reduced from age 55 to age 50 to include more athletes and to encourage those looking at retirement to become involved in a personal fitness program or team sport.
A small full-time staff works year round and is joined by more than 2,500 eager seasonal volunteers to host 27 athletic events over a two-week period each October. Headquartered in Southern Utah, the Huntsman World Senior Games has become a renowned event among serious athletes from Japan to Russia and from Alaska to Australia. Scores of countries have participated in the Games, where peace among nations is fostered through friendly competition.
In addition to athletic events, the Games promote health by providing life saving health screenings for cancer-breast and prostate. Screenings also detect other serious health threats--glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and decreased bone density. Volunteer medical and nursing students assist with the screenings and generous sponsors provide diagnostic equipment and services.
Band concerts, dances, and awards socials for each sport are also part of the package, bringing athletes and guests together in a social atmosphere where they share in, and congratulate each other for, their achievements. This important aspect of the Games emphasizes the celebration of success for all participants, whether or not they win a medal.
An overview of the Games would not be complete without mentioning our volunteers--thousands of adults, youth, and children who donate innumerable hours to make this two-week event a treasured experience for all. From sport directors to entertainers, each volunteer plays a valuable role in the success of the Games.
As time marches on, the Huntsman World Senior Games will continue to host this one of a kind celebration promoting worldwide Peace, Health, Friendship, and as founder John Morgan reminds us, "Fun! Don't forget the Fun!"
1st Annual, October ?-??, 1987
2nd Annual, October ?-??, 1988
3rd Annual, October ?-??, 1989
4th Annual, October ?-??, 1990
5th Annual, October ?-??, 1991
6th Annual, October ?-??, 1992
7th Annual, October ?-??, 1993
8th Annual, October ?-??, 1994
9th Annual, October ?-??, 1995
10th Annual, October ?-??, 1996
11th Annual, October ?-??, 1997
12th Annual, October ?-??, 1998
13th Annual, October ?-??, 1999
14th Annual, October ?-??, 2000
15th Annual, October ?-??, 2001
16th Annual, October ?-??, 2002
17th Annual, October ?-??, 2003
18th Annual, October ?-??, 2004
19th Annual, October ?-??, 2005
20th Annual, October ?-??, 2006
21st Annual, October ?-??, 2007
22nd Annual, October ?-??, 2008
23rd Annual, October ?-??, 2009
24th Annual, October 4-16, 2010
25th Annual, October 3-15, 2011
26th Annual, October 8-20, 2012
27th Annual, October 7-19, 2013
28th Annual, October 6-18, 2014
29th Annual, October 5-17, 2015
30th Annual, October 3-15, 2016
31st Annual, October 9-21, 2017
32nd Annual, October 5-20, 2018
33rd Annual, October 7-19, 2019
34th Annual, October 5-17, 2020
Canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
35th Annual, October 4-16, 2021
PHOTOS
TBDREFERENCES
Huntsman World Senior Games Home Page2020 Huntsman World Senior Games canceled due to COVID-19 concerns
Article by Hollie Reina, St. George News, July 31, 2020