Planning is underway and the City of Visalia, spearheaded by its Parks & Recreation Department, is excited to bring this event back to the Central Valley.

The Senior Games are open to those ages 50 and better, and with 11 age divisions for men and women, there will be plenty of winners. Over 500 athletes attended the 2019 event, competing in 13 events. An even bigger turnout is expected in 2020.

The 2020 Visalia Senior Games is scheduled for this spring and will take place March 21-22 and March 28–29.

The Visalia Senior Games were the first Senior Games held in the Central Valley. Created under the umbrella of the California Senior Games Association, the Visalia Senior Games promote healthy, active lifestyles for adults ages 50 and better. Visalia held its first event in 2015, and attendance and event offerings have grown each year.

"We've selected events that we feel appeal to the 50+ community and are at the heart of Senior Games," said Jeannie Greenwood, director of the Visalia Parks & Recreation Department. "We have city-owned facilities that will host most of the events. These sports are known to be popular throughout the Central Valley and will provide seniors with the opportunity for competition and camaraderie."

The Visalia Senior Games will bring back sporting favorites such as archery, bowling, cycling, disc golf, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, men's softball, swimming, table tennis, track & field, and trap shoot. One new sport, racquetball, will be added to the event roster this year.

"We are pleased to be able to offer a variety of sporting events for the 2020 Visalia Senior Games," said Greenwood. "We feel that this diverse list of sports will bring even more athletes to Visalia and the Visalia Senior Games next year."

The committee will soon be meeting to nail down all of the details for the upcoming sporting events. With such a big undertaking, the committee is looking to partner once again with the community.

Tennis is among the sports at the Visalia Senior Games.

"There are many ways to get involved," said Greenwood. "From volunteering at an event, to providing sponsorships and contributions, we will need the support of the whole community to make our fifth event bigger and better."

Registration opens on January 1st. Athletes will be able to register online at http://www.visaliaseniorgames.com or in person at the Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob St., Visalia.

For more information on the 2020 Visalia Senior Games or to become a sponsor or volunteer, call (559) 713-4365 or email recreation@visalia.city.