City of Santa Fe Division of Senior Services Promotes Healthy Aging and Physical Fitness through Local Senior Olympic Events

Santa Fe, NM – The City of Santa Fe Division of Senior Services, in collaboration with the 50+ Senior Olympics, sponsors local events and game sites in Santa Fe each year to prepare for the annual State Summer Games. These efforts promote healthy aging and provide individuals who are 50 years and over with the opportunity to be part of many challenging athletic sports and events. The goal is to enhance the physical and mental well-being of older adults by offering the opportunity to develop new friendships, accomplish personal fitness goals, and inspire athletes to remain active every day.

During the 2017 local games, which took place in March, April and May in Santa Fe, a total of 294 Senior Olympians competed in 22 events and received 816 medals, including:  523 Gold, 198 Silver and 95 Bronze.

“We are very proud of the senior athletes who represent our community,” says Cristina Villa, Senior Services Program Coordinator who serves as the Senior Olympics liaison. “I also want to acknowledge and thank the Santa Fe 50+ Senior Olympics Committee:  Chairwoman Karin Roth, Dick Roth, Karl Cardenas, Arlene Mayer, Ann Aceves, Liz Armijo, Barbara Hays, George Baros, Alfred Padilla and Mary Page. They are hard-working and definitely make a difference in the health and fitness of our Santa Fe participants.”

The Committee meets monthly to plan and coordinate for annual local games and serve as the event managers. Olympic events include:  basketball, swimming, bowling, horseshoes, pickle ball, dance, huachas and much more. Next up are the State Summer Games, scheduled to take place July 19-23, 2017 in Albuquerque. Registration for the 2018 games will begin during the first week of January; games begin in late March 2018.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating with the 50+ Senior Olympics or would like more information, please contact Cristina Villa, Senior Services Program Coordinator, at (505) 955-4725 or (505) 795-3817. You can also contact Cecilia Acosta, New Mexico Senior Olympics Director, at (575) 623-5777.