Visalia Senior Games to Become Visalia Games

The Visalia Senior Games are now the Visalia Games, with competitions open to more age groups.

(Registration for the games opened on January 1, but the dates of the competitions were not announced before this issue went to press.)

"The additional generations will not impact senior competitions," said City of Visalia Recreation Supervisor Holly Ellis. "The Visalia Games will continue to honor the legacy of the Visalia Senior Games by keeping dedicated senior age divisions.

"Younger participants will simply compete within their own age groups, allowing seniors to continue enjoying competitive play against peers," she explained. "The number of events available to seniors will be the same as those available to younger participants."

The senior divisions will continue in ten-year increments (50–59, 60–69, 70–79, etc.), preserving the familiar structure for athletes 50 and over, according to Ellis.

"Primarily, seniors will compete in their own age divisions," she said. "However, based on participation numbers in each sport/event, seniors may have the option to compete alongside younger divisions when their own division does not have enough competitors to run a meaningful event. This ensures seniors always have a competitive opportunity rather than facing a division with no opponents."

The 2026 Visalia Games will have a different schedule than the 2025 Senior Games.

"The games will take place within the same week, with some events potentially taking place on weeknights," Ellis said.

She explained that the changes were made "to transform the event into a multi-sport, multi-generational celebration of health, fitness and friendly competition across Visalia.

"Expanding participation strengthens the event while preserving the legacy of the Visalia Senior Games and maintaining dedicated 50+ divisions," she said.

For information about how to register, call (559) 713-4365 or email recreation@visalia.city.