Starting in 1987, the Huntsman World Senior Games has worked hard to fulfill our mission of fostering worldwide peace, health and friendship. As an organization we’ve faced our fair share of challenges over the past 34 years from fighting stereotypes and ageism to finding a way to make a senior sports festival viable in the desert of Southern Utah. With dedication, patience and persistence, we’ve met them all.
Today, we confront another difficulty in the wake of a global pandemic with COVID-19.
From the very beginning we made a commitment to our athletes, our volunteers, our staff and our community that we would do everything we could to analyze and understand the situation and move forward if it were safe, but pull back if it weren't.
We held out as long as we could. We waited, we analyzed, we watched the numbers. Unfortunately things aren't going in the right direction. With COVID-19 diagnoses expanding exponentially, hospital beds filling up around the nation and the world, and death tolls rising, we felt there was only one responsible way forward.
After careful analysis we've decided the only possible solution is to pull back. Due to the complexities and safety concerns of COVID-19 we’ve made the difficult decision to forgo the 2020 Huntsman World Senior Games this October.
Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones. We feel the pain of those who have lost jobs and employment and small businesses that have struggled to survive. We recognize there are significant challenges in front of us. And we're committed to being part of the solution.
While this decision took a lot of hard work, many sleepless nights and even a few shed tears, we're confident that we've made the right call.
We're also confident in another thing: that this is not the end. As we've analyzed the situation and observed that the match is not going our way, like any good coach or manager we’ve decided ... to call a timeout. Regroup. Take a deep breath and put together a game plan that will lead us forward and on to victory. We’re going to miss each and every one of you. We value our association and friendship. This October will feel empty without you.
But… before you know it we'll be back out on the field, in the pool, on the court, on the road and celebrating worldwide peace, health and friendship, together, once again.
The game isn’t over, it’s just a timeout.
For those who registered for the 2020 Games, you are now faced with three choices.
