For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been wondering about how I could possibly qualify for the 2021 National Senior Games if organizers for the Nevada Senior Games and Huntsman World Senior Games were to cancel their events this fall. In the scope of a world impacted by COVID-19 and my first-hand, deadly family experience with the damn coronavirus, my concern may seem frivolous. But as that thick fog of grief begins clear, my heart is re-emerging, like spring flowers seeking the sun for life, to once again experience what makes me feel good.
I’ve read — and re-read — the National Senior Games Association’s May 14 email explaining a modified qualification process for next year’s National Senior Games (NSG).
In my opinion, this adjustment recognizes the dedication and loyalty of participants who compete annually in state senior games, qualified in the most recent National Senior Games in Birmingham, AL and Albuquerque, NM, and offers new athletes the chance to experience the competition and camaraderie senior games are known for. This is a great deal for all participants!
But how will that affect those state senior games slated or rescheduled for the fall? If athletes simply stay home, organizers will be forced to cancel.
What’s Next?
Time will tell. I know the executive team at the Nevada Senior Games is closely watching the situation. As both an athlete and the triathlon coordinator (who had big plans to market the tri), I’m nervous. I want to race. I want a great experience for my triathletes. I want us all to stay healthy. Yes, I can wear a face mask!
The team at the Huntsman World Senior Games are planning to hold their competition AND monitoring the situation as well. They will announce their final decision on July 31. I’m nervous. I want to race. I want to cycle the road race with my friend Ariel of Team Grey Mares. I want us to stay healthy. Uh, wearing a face mask for a 37K road race with hills…oh my!
Rest assured, Divas, I’ll keep you posted on how this all turns out!
Photo: Ellen Jaffe Jones, NSGA Athlete of the Month, April 2020 and gold medalist in Women 65-69 4×100 relay. Photo credit: National Senior Games Association
