2002 Newsroom Archive

2002 California Senior Games Older Adults Go For The Gold

Senior Games Run From May 2 through May 5, 2002

Sacramento California, April 1, 2002 – The 13th Annual Senior Games – Sacramento Sports Classic – is a stimulating, challenging and competitive series of athletic events specifically for anyone over the age of 49. The Senior Games run from May 2nd through May 5th. This year about 1,000 athletes are expected to compete for the coveted gold, silver or bronze medals.

The Senior Games offer competition in archery, badminton, ballroom dance, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, handball, horseshoes, martial arts, race walk, racquetball, road race, rowing, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis, trapshooting, track and field and the triathlon.

“We’re delighted to host the Senior Games in the Capital City,” said Mayor Heather Fargo. Every year hundreds of older adults from throughout the Sacramento Valley and beyond come to compete. Competitors range from couch potatoes to retired professional athletes, and all categories in between. The Senior Games offers something for nearly everyone’s skill level and interest. Competition is divided into 5-year increments, so no one has to compete against anyone more than 4 years younger or older. It’s just as exciting as the Olympics,” said Mayor Fargo.

According to Kitty Esposto, Senior Games coordinator, older adults comprise more than 20 percent of the American population. “Every few seconds someone in the United States is turning 50, said Esposto. The Senior Games offer more than just competition and athletics - it’s a statement that good health is a life-long process.

Esposto said that, “athletes and spectators alike are moved and inspired by the spirit demonstrated by all that compete. And though everyone works hard to do their personal bet, there’s plenty of support and camaraderie to go around and make the Senior Games just plain fun.”