(Photo courtesy of The Oregon Senior Games)
Less than two weeks away and the anticipation is at its peak, hundreds of amateur and pro-level master athletes will converge in Bend to compete in The Oregon Senior Games (“OSG”), sponsored by Humana. Over 600 athletes will travel from throughout the United States to compete in their favorite sport(s), including competitors from Virginia, Washington, Nebraska, Washington, California, and of course, hundreds from Oregon.
The Games officially kick off Wednesday, June 17 with packet pick-up at Visit Bend offices. Sporting events begin Thursday, June 18 at 9am with part one of the 36-hole golf tournament at Brasada Ranch. Golf is among sixteen sports offered in the games this year at two of the best golf courses in the Northwest, Brasada Ranch and Broken Top Golf Course. Followed by a welcome reception for all Oregon Senior Games participants to be held 5–9pm.
Some athletes will come for the fun of it, some will compete for a gold medal and others will prepare for the 2015 National Senior Games in St. Paul, Minnesota this summer. From 53-three year old Angela Kerber from Meridian, Idaho competing in the long jump, triple jump (All-American in both) and the sprint races to 93-year old Florence Latter from Grants Pass who will compete in the 50-meter and 100-meter dashes, the field will be full of fascinating athletes and their stories.
Medals will be awarded to winners at the conclusion of each individual sporting event. The Games will wrap up with a celebration for all participants at 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 20 at Riverbend Park featuring food and beverages, and special awards.
“We are absolutely thrilled to host the second annual Oregon Senior Games in Bend this year,” said Kevney Dugan, director of sports development at Visit Bend. “The games are an amazing opportunity to present a competitive yet fun event for the fifty+ age group who love to compete against like-minded individuals in the ultimate outdoor playground of Bend.”
Registration is open until June 15 at www.oregonseniorgames.com.
Stay tuned for live results during the games!
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