ST. GEORGE, UT - Since 1987, the Huntsman World Senior Games has set the gold standard for athletic events for athletes aged 50 and above. Offering over 35 sports to more than 11,500 athletes from around the globe, the Games is a worldwide leader in promoting active aging. Today, the organization announces that the Huntsman World Senior Games will now be recognized as the Senior World Championships.
“As we looked at the various senior sporting events taking place, no one was providing a world championship opportunity, exclusively for senior athletes. And we felt like they deserved one,” said Games CEO, Kyle M Case. “And no one on earth is better positioned to do that than the Huntsman World Senior Games. Starting in 2024, we are excited to step into the responsibility of being The Senior World Championships.”
The organization’s decision to accept this role is based on three main drivers:
- Exclusive Opportunity: There is currently no world championship experience available to athletes aged 50 and over. The Huntsman World Senior Games believes that they deserve one. As a globally recognized authority and leader in multisport events for senior athletes, the Games is uniquely qualified to provide this opportunity.
- Historical Precedent: Since the inaugural event in 1987, the Games have consistently offered world-class competition to senior athletes from around the globe. Formalizing the status as The Senior World Championships builds on this long standing tradition and reputation.
- Enhanced Engagement: Accepting the role of The Senior World Championships will strengthen the Games’ ability to attract more participants and teams, especially from diverse international backgrounds, enriching the experience for all athletes.
“This is an exciting step for the Games, and one we’ve been preparing for,” added Doug Labrum, Games President and Board Chair. “Athletes can expect an enhanced commitment to excellence, consistent with what they have come to expect over the years.”
For additional information, including how to be part of this historic inaugural year, visit www.seniorgames.net.
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The Huntsman World Senior Games: The Senior World Championships is the largest annual multi-sport event in the world for athletes ages 50 and better. Every October more than 11,500 athletes compete in their choice of more than 30 different sports. The Games are made possible through the generous support of partners like the Huntsman Family Foundation and Balance of Nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the name of the event changing?
No, the event will continue to be known as the Huntsman World Senior Games. The organization is adding a descriptor to clarify its role in the senior sports world as The Senior World Championships.
Will this change the branding, i.e. logo, colors, etc.
The name of the event will remain the Huntsman World Senior Games. There will be no modification to the official logo or color scheme of the Games. Moving forward, we will add the descriptor "The Senior World Championships" to banners, advertisements, social media posts, press releases, and our website and other promotional materials.
Will there now be a qualifying process for athletes to compete at the Games?
No, there will not be a qualifying process. In line with the standard practices of many international governing bodies for masters and senior sports, which hold open world championships, the Huntsman World Senior Games will continue to be an open event. The only requirement for participation is meeting the age criteria.
Where possible, the Games will continue to offer different skill levels in addition to age divisions.
When athletes win a gold medal at the Huntsman World Senior Games, does this mean they will be a world champion?
Yes, winning a gold medal at the Huntsman World Senior Games signifies that the athlete is a world champion in their respective sport and division.
How did the Huntsman World Senior Games take on the role as The Senior World Championships?
As the worldwide leader in active aging, the Huntsman World Senior Games assumes the responsibility of providing the Senior World Championships for athletes over the age of 50. This role was embraced to fulfill the need for a dedicated world championship event in the senior sports arena. The organization will continue to develop partnerships with governing bodies, sport federations, athletic associations, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in active aging and senior sports globally, encouraging them to embrace the unique opportunities these championships provide for their members.