Oregon Senior Games coming to Bend
Active, competitive and/or athletic seniors, ages 50 and over have a new excuse to visit Bend: The Oregon Senior Games, sponsored by Humana.
Whether you’re into Cycling or Cowboy Action Shooting, Tennis or Table Tennis, Swimming or Shuffleboard (or any of 10 other sports, see below), there is a competition for nearly everyone at the Games. The event is sure to appeal to super-competitive athletes as well as those looking to just stay active and have fun exploring a beloved outdoor recreation mecca: Bend, Oregon.
Most of the Oregon Senior Games competitions run June 19-22, with Cycling leading the way on May 24 and a Cowboy Action Shooting event a week prior to the main Games. All events are held in and around Bend.
The 16 events include a 5K Road Race and Walk, Archery, Badminton, Bowling, Cowboy Action Shooting, Cycling, Golf, Over the Line, Pickleball, Racquetball, Shuffleboard, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis and Track & Field.
Registration fees are low, ranging from $5 to $30 per individual event. Team events range higher.
Before 2014, Oregon was one of only two states without a sanctioned State Senior Games. The Oregon Senior Games is officially sanctioned by the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) and is open to any athlete age 50 and over with no prequalification necessary.
The top four finishers in most sports in each age group will qualify for the 2015 National Senior Games in St. Paul, Minnesota (taking place July 3-16, 2015) as will competitors who meet minimum performance standards in applicable sports.
“We’re thrilled to be reviving the Oregon Senior Games and bringing them to Bend for the first time,” said Kevney Dugan, director of sales and sports development for Visit Bend. “This is an amazing opportunity to present a competitive yet fun and social event to an older set of visitors that showcases Bend as the ultimate outdoor playground.”
Participating in the Oregon Senior Games is not only a chance to test one’s athletic skills, but is also a great opportunity to explore a beloved outdoor recreation mecca: Bend.
While in town, competitors can reward themselves with whitewater rafting, hiking, golf, stand up paddle boarding or enjoying a tasty craft beer along the Bend Ale Trail. The dining and lodging venues are top notch and will round out a great visit to Central Oregon.
“The dedication, personal strength and sheer joy exhibited by those participating in athletic events like the upcoming Oregon Senior Games is inspiring and shows the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle in the pursuit of lifelong well-being,” said Oraida Roman, president of Senior Products for Humana’s Intermountain Region.
“As a company dedicated to promoting health and lifelong well-being, Humana is proud to honor those who inspire Americans of all ages to get active and make changes that can lead to a healthier, happier life.”
About Visit Bend
Visit Bend is a non-membership, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to promoting tourism on behalf of the City of Bend. We’re a leading provider of information on Bend, Oregon hotels, restaurants, activities, and Oregon vacation planning. To learn more or to order a complimentary Official Visitor Guide to Bend, contact Visit Bend at 1-800-949-6086 or visit www.visitbend.com.
