This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
John Morgan believed in the potential of St. George when the southwest Utah city was just a sleepy farming community.
The Salt Lake City resident and his family spent time in St. George every year in the 1980s, long before its popularity as a retirement and recreation area began to mushroom in subsequent decades. But he wanted other people to experience its spectacular scenery and mild climate.
His passion led to the first World Senior Games in 1987, which drew 300 athletes to St. George. But how times have changed in 25 years.
What's now known as the Huntsman World Senior Games this year will host an expected 10,000 athletes from all 50 states and 22 countries. More than 2,000 volunteers will help run the competition, which features activities ranging from archery to volleyball. The only rule: All competitors must be 50 years old as of Monday.
Opening ceremonies Tuesday at the Hansen Stadium at Dixie State College will feature speaker Shannon Miller, the most decorated American gymnast in history, male or female.
Among this year's competitors is softball player Dorothy Downie, 66, who lives in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada, and will travel to St. George with a team of 14 other players. She has been to the games several times in 14 years.
Downie, who plays shortstop, said the first year she competed there were just six softball matches for women. This year there are 69. "At first they didn't think softball would be that popular," she said.
Downie also likes to watch volleyball and table tennis and mingle with other athletes. The event offers a wealth of social events in addition to competition.
"You meet people from all over the world and it doesn't matter if they speak English or not," she said. "You communicate through sports."
Kyle Case, CEO of the games, said the 27 sports are organized in categories according to difficulty. It is not unusual to have competitors 100 years old or older. For hard-core athletes, the triathlon and mountain biking offer plenty of challenge. But activities such as horseshoes, bridge and cowboy action shooting aren't as grueling.
"Some of the sports are traditional and some not so traditional," said Case. "We work hard to meet needs [sports] of those participating and have a great selection to choose from. Some are physically demanding and others easier on the body."
Case believes the games are instrumental in luring people to the area for vacations or to think about relocating there. "Hopefully [athletes] are going home and talking about St. George," he said.
Marc Mortensen, assistant to the St. George city manager, believes the games do bring people back.
"Some purchase homes, without question," he said. "Some also buy second homes and they are not just coming from the Wasatch Front but from all over, including Canada and the East Coast."
While the influx of visitors brings challenges, including heavy traffic, Mortensen said the games are an economic boon for the city's motels, restaurants and stores.
Morgan seems happy with how his vision has played out.
"I feel wonderful about the games these days," he said. "There are a lot of seniors out there who want to swing."
After the first year was deemed a success, Morgan said he was coming out of a meeting about securing financial support for the games from then-Gov. Norm Bangerter when he ran into businessman Jon Huntsman Sr. in the hall.
He said he took the opportunity to explain the event to Huntsman, who said he wanted to discuss getting involved with his family. The Huntsmans initially offered $5,000, but their annual contribution has grown over the years and now totals about $250,000.
Morgan said the event's name was changed to honor Huntsman and his family, many of whom visit the games regularly. Jon Huntsman leads its board of directors.
In an email to The Tribune, Huntsman said he, his wife, Karen, and other family members felt there was no better way to encourage middle-age and elderly people to keep exercising or rekindle their competitive edge.
"Our family has long recognized the importance of exercise and fitness to enjoying a great quality of life long into our retirement years," the email said. "That goal has clearly been realized, now that participation in the Huntsman World Senior Games has grown to more than 10,000 athletes each year. Karen and I are extremely proud to have the Huntsman name linked to this popular event."
Jim Anthony, who lives in Waxahachie, Texas, will continue to hone his competitive edge when he competes in the games for the eighth time. He plans to bowl and play tennis, sports in which he has won medals in the past.
The 74-year-old Anthony said he is driving to St. George with four other people and will stay for 10 days. "It's like a mini-vacation for us," he said. "We also like the sights around St. George and the canyons."
He first heard about the games from someone at a bowling alley he visits in Dallas.
Games founder Morgan himself will be in St. George, competing at age 88 in his favorite sport — tennis.
"It's a wonderful place to come for the love of competing," he said. "What the games stand for are fostering worldwide peace, friendship and health. But we can't forget one more thing: fun."
If you go
P The Opening Ceremonies and Parade of Athletes for the Huntsman World Senior Games is Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Hansen Stadium at Dixie State College in St. George. The event is free and open to the public.