Elko Senior Games 2023
Contributed by Izabella Tomlinson
When Jenny Eckert (President of the Elko Senior Olympic Games) called me to tell me she tested positive for COVID 2 days before the 20th Annual Elko Senior Olympic Games opening Ceremonies were being held I had 4 questions:
What are the Senior Games?
What do you want me to do about it? Why me?
Are you sure?
What I didn’t know at the time was what I was getting myself into. After getting up to speed on the itinerary and getting all materials needed for the events happening in the upcoming week, I felt somewhat scared but also so excited to not only be a part of the organization but practically run it. With the help of Matt McCarty and some ladies from the Senior Center, we managed to set up the greatest (in my opinion) opening ceremonies. When the first day was all said and done I knew I had all the support from not only other Senior Games coordinators and volunteers, but also the competitors. Once the first event started it was nothing but running around hoping I was going to the right place at the right time. Somehow I managed to make it to all the events and I am so glad I did. I met some amazing people who were insanely competitive during the Riverwalk. I met some newcomers who were happy to try archery for the first time at 60 years old. I saw some people I have known for several years in a different light as they were competing to get to the next round in pickleball. I went from not knowing anything about the Elko Senior Olympic Games to wanting to help out in any way I could for years to come. Even though I was not a volunteer last year and more of a volun-told, I would not change a thing about my experience, except now I would happily help out without being asked to. A HUGE thank you to Jenny Eckert and the Elko Senior Olympic Games Board for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing organization. I wish all the best to this year’s volunteers and competitors.
Who says the young have all the fun? Not us! The 21st Annual Elko Senior Olympic Games are scheduled for July 27-30, 2023.
Elko Senior Games are for anyone between the ages of 50 – 100+. Competitors may participate in:
● Horseshoes
● Darts
● Basketball shoot
● Tennis
● Table Tennis
● Billiards
● Bowling
● River Walk
● Golf
● Jeopardy & Brain Games
● Novice HIIT
● Multiple Bicycling
● Pickleball
● Cornhole
● Track & Field
● Pistol Shooting
● Indoor Archery
Gold, Silver and Bronze pins are presented to competitors in incremented age groups of five (50-54, 55-59, 60-64, etc.). We have online registration or registration may be by picking up a registration form at TheTerrace’social & Full Range Physical Therapy or at the walk-in registration day at the Terraces on July 19, 2023.
Cost to participate is $20.00 plus $2.00 for each event prior to July 14th. After July 19th the cost is $25.00 for registration and $2.00 for each event. The Elko Senior Games promotes wellness, physical fitness and good mental health through organized athletic, recreational, and socially interactive competitions and activities for adults fifty years and better.
We encourage continued participation in a healthy & fitness-oriented lifestyle. Adults 50+ have a fun place to interact with their peers, enjoy friendly competition in an atmosphere of friendship and support.
Do you love sports and enjoy helping? We are in need of more volunteers to help on Game Day. Some options are timing bicycle events, track and field, river walk, horseshoes, and possibly other events for scorekeepers and stop watch helpers.
Own a business? We would love and appreciate your sponsorship. You can sponsor an athlete on low income or donate to the overall event $100-$1000. Donations of swag and coupons to give to entrants are also needed (quantity 100).
For more information please call Jenny at 775-401-3252 or visit www.elkoseniorolympicgames.com