Last Updated on January 2, 2025
Welcome to 2025, the year of the next National Senior Games! This summer, over 11,000 athletes from ages 50 to over 100 will descend on Des Moines, Iowa, to go for gold in 26 sports. While medals are on many of the competitors’ minds, the friendships forged and memories made are just as important.
Here’s a recap of the latest news to know if you want to participate in The Games in 2025 or beyond.
Registration is Open Through May 15
The early bird saves when registering for the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Early registration is open through April 16, 2025, and the final day to sign up is May 15, 2025. Some sports may fill up, so make sure to secure your spot.
Didn’t Qualify for 2025? Try an Open Sport
For most National Senior Games sports, like swimming and basketball, competitors must qualify at a State Senior Games in 2024. But you can still participate if you’re just learning about the event.
Open sports and events offer the chance for anyone who is at least 50 years old by December 31, 2024 to find their inner athlete. This category was boosted for 2025 with nine opportunities: a 1-mile road race, basketball skills, beach volleyball, billiards, disc golf, golf scramble, powerlifting, non-ambulatory pickleball and tai chi.
Not your style? Other open options are cornhole (including non-ambulatory divisions), power walk, recumbent cycling time trials, soccer and triathlon relay.
These sports offer something for everyone and an approachable entry point into the Senior Games. Believe in yourself and take the leap.
On the Horizon: Host Cities for 2027 and 2029 Games
Looking forward with a positive mindset is part of living well. With the National Senior Games announcing the next two host cities for the championship, masters athletes have a lot to look forward to! The Games will travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2027 and return to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2029 for a second time. Get connected with the State Senior Games in your area now to start your path to a future Nationals.
The physical and mental health benefits of staying active at every age are well documented. Sports provide one way to keep moving and challenging yourself. Stories of those like athlete Madonna Hanna, who became a sprinter in her 50s and is still getting faster in her 70s, prove it’s never too late to try something new.
Get Inspired with More Athlete Stories
On average, more than 10,000 athletes over the age of 50 participate in each biennial National Senior Games. These runners, swimmer, volleyball players, golfers and more are providing a blueprint for healthy aging that we all can follow. Listen to these stories by subscribing to the Fountain of Youth Podcast, or watch our video stories below, and inspired for your own active aging journey!
