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The History of The Massachusetts Senior Games
Formed in 1991, the Massachusetts Senior Games kindled the Olympic
spirit and ignited the flame for thousands of older adults across the Commonwealth. The Games gives them the opportunity
to participate in a variety of activities throughout the year.
Massachusetts Senior Games began with a "Fun Walk" in Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts. One hundred
fifty spirited seniors crossed the finish line in the fall of 1991 and the "Games Began!"
The following year 250 senior athletes gathered in June at Springfield College to participate in eleven events
in track and field, swimming, tennis, and others. Many qualified for the USNSSO National Senior Sports Classic
held in Baton Rouge in May, 1993.
1995 marked the first Winter Games held at Mt. Wachusett, Princeton,
Massachusetts and at the Wallace Civic Center in Fitchburg. Over 150 athletes participated in giant slalom, cross
country and ice hockey.
The growth of the Massachusetts Senior Games is directly tied to a base of committed sponsors. Bank of Boston,
the first corporate sponsor, became presenting sponsor in the Fall of 1991. Later, the Executive Office of Elder
Affairs and US Health Care became co-sponsors. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Pilgrim Health
Care and Secure Horizons have also joined our team.
From the beginning, the host site sponsor, Springfield College, provided superior facilities for the summer Massachusetts
Senior Games. Springfield, the host city sponsor, contributes park and recreation sites.
Each year the number of athletes, events, volunteers and supporters grows. Today, more than 1,000 athletes, grouped
in five year age categories, may enter a spectrum of 23 summer events, 7 winter events, and an Olympic Fitness
Walk. They may also attend educational programs and the Health/Sports Expo during the summer games, and participate
in a series of clinics and workshops held all over the state throughout the year.
Keeping pace with the increase in number of participants, the number of volunteers has risen from approximately
50 in 1991 to over 200 in 1995. Support, too, has grown dramatically. Over 30 corporations and organizations presently
support the Massachusetts Senior Games.
We are very proud of our growth; we've come a long way since the first lighting of the torch and parade of athletes!
It's Time To Catch The Spirit!
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