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WHEREAS, The City of Pittsburgh supports health and wellness of older adults in a variety of ways and is proud to host the 2023 National Senior Games from July 7th through July 18th.
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WHEREAS, The National Senior Games, which debuted in 1987, takes place every other year, and this is the second time that Pittsburgh has hosted. The National Senior Games qualify as the largest multi-sport event in the world for athletes 50 years and older. Pittsburgh’s Games have welcomed over 25,000 out-of-town athletes, visitors and friends.
WHEREAS, more than 11,000 athletes from all 50 states - ages 50 to 100-plus - have traveled to the National Senior Games. They participated in 19 different athletic events, including: Archery, Swimming, Pickleball, Non-Ambulatory Bowling, Running, Power Walking, Shuffleboard, Soccer, Volleyball, Triathlon, and more. Three centenarians have participated, most notably 100-year-old runner Roy Englert of Virginia, one of only two athletes who have competed in every National Senior Games since 1987.
WHEREAS, the theme for this year’s National Senior Games is “Bridging Champions Through the Ages” highlighting the ways active older athletes impact younger generations. For instance, many children have aged up and joined their parents in the Games, and other athletes teach younger people, fostering intergenerational mentorship.
WHEREAS, the 2023 Senior Games were made possible by many local partners working with the National Senior Games Association. SportsPITTSBURGH, a division of VisitPITTSBURGH, is the host. P3R is the event operations provider. Many local organizations have helped make the National Senior Games possible, including: Area Agency on Aging of Allegheny County, AgeWell at the Jewish Community Center, Vintage Center for Active Adults, Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, Senior Center Networks, Citiparks, City Financial Empowerment Center, University of Pittsburgh, and many more.
WHEREAS, Mayor Ed Gainey received and accepted the Cherokee Nation Flag from Simeon Sipson, Senior Games participant and Cherokee Nation representative, on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh.
WHEREAS, the award-winning short documentary, TEAM DREAM, was screened during the National Senior Games, highlighting the journey of two Black women swimmers and their coaches competing in the Games. The film is a testament to the grit and determination of the athletes competing at the National Senior Games.
WHEREAS, Photographer Marc Serota and artist Julie Rainbow guided Pittsburgh Safe Passage Youth Ambassadors and Manchester Bidwell Guild youth in capturing the wonder and joy of older adults participating in National Senior Games. Selected Senior Game athlete photographs, youth art, and works by Marc Serota were on display during the Celebration of Athletes at PNC Park and at the Athlete Village in the David Lawrence Convention Center.
WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Pittsburgh congratulates all of the athletes on participating in the National Senior Games 2023 here in Pittsburgh!
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, July 18, 2023, to be “National Senior Games Day” in the City of Pittsburgh