Executives of SportsPITTSBURGH, a division of VisitPITTSBURGH, and P3R along with officials of the National Senior Games Association today announced that the National Senior Games will return to Pittsburgh in 2023. Pittsburgh previously hosted the event in 2005. County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mayor William Peduto also welcomed the event back to Pittsburgh at a media conference at the Senator John Heinz History Center.
The Games, which will feature more than 10,000 elite athletes over the age of 50 participating in more than 20 sports over two weeks, will be hosted by SportsPITTSBURGH. P3R, the Official Event Management Partner of SportsPITTSBURGH, will coordinate local operations of the Games.
The biennial event is expected to draw more than 30,000 visitors to the region and could generate upwards of $35 million in economic impact.
“We are extremely proud to host this prestigious event because it will again demonstrate that Pittsburgh is a major sports and travel destination that exceeds the highest expectations of our clients,” said SportsPITTSBURGH Executive Director Jennifer Hawkins said. “Not only will the National Senior Games feature the best senior athletes in the country, but it also will be a vivid reminder of the importance of health and wellness over the age of 50.”
Hawkins said that her marketing colleagues will be including health and wellness messaging in all promotions leading up to games in 2023. “We aim to provide the athletes with iconic experiences both on and off the playing fields,” she said.
Troy Schooley, CEO for P3R, said he and his team also are excited to welcome the National Senior Games. “While 2023 may seem a long time off, there is a lot of work to do from an operations standpoint to ensure that the athlete and fan experience is what is expected in the City of Champions.”
At the media conference, National Senior Games Association (NSGA) CEO Marc T. Riker commended the Pittsburgh organizing committee for making a compelling bid presentation. “SportsPITTSBURGH has a team of sport event professionals in place to help fulfill the needs of the events hosted by the city,” he explained. “This is a best practice that helps attract more events and economic benefits, because the team can hit the ground running and further enhance the reputation of Pittsburgh as a can-do city.”
“One thing that we hear from athletes about 2005 was how friendly and accommodating Pittsburgh was,” Riker continued. “We have experienced the same warm welcome and assistance from the 2023 organizing team since the beginning. It already feels like we’re part of the family, and we’re just getting started!”
The Keystone State Games hosts the annual Pennsylvania Senior Games, which serve as the state’s qualifying event for the National Senior Games. Qualifying for the 2023 Games will take place in 2022 in Luzerne County. “We’re proud that Pittsburgh has been selected again, and excited to help spread the word,” Executive Director James Costello said. “There’s always a surge in new people coming to qualify in the state where Nationals are hosted because of the close proximity. It also means more Pennsylvanians will be finding Senior Games as a great outlet for maintaining fitness and enjoying the camaraderie among their peers.”
Competition is for athletes 50 and older and organized in five-year age divisions with medals awarded for each level.
About SportsPITTSBURGH
As a division of VisitPITTSBURGH, SportsPITTSBURGH’s primary goal is to attract and host a wide variety of sporting events while providing planners and local stakeholders with the expertise and professionalism required to host a world-class event in the Pittsburgh region. Pittsburgh, the “City of Champions,” is dedicated to hosting events that make public health and safety top priorities. For more information on Pittsburgh’s health and safety protocols, visit sportspittsburgh.com.
About NSGA
The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is a nonprofit Multisport Council member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee that promotes health and wellness for adults 50 and over through education, fitness and sport. Since 1987, NSGA has governed the biennial National Senior Games, the largest multi-sport championship event in the world for seniors. The Association is comprised of 53 independent Member Games that conduct qualifying competition events. For more information, please visit NSGA.com.
About P3R
P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to MOVE with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at: P3R.org.
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