Huntsman World Senior Games
And
Vegas on the Way
by
Robert
Painter
 How would you like to play
with almost 10,000 friendly, fit and healthy people from around the globe?
How would you like to do it in one of the most scenic spots in
North America? In
addition to parties, dances, opening ceremonies and the actual competition
of the Huntsman World Senior Games, you’ll be close enough to take day trips
to the fabulously beautiful Zion
and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
You could even take in the Grand Canyon
if you add on another day or two.
And, since you’re likely to get here by way of Las Vegas, don’t
forget about Hoover Dam, Lake Mead or maybe even Lake Powell.
 But, let’s begin with the
Games. Every year in early October the lovely city of St. George, Utah,
puts on a spectacular event that any active senior could enjoy. I competed a
few years ago and am thinking about going back this year if I can fit it
into my schedule. Next year,
for sure. If you’re 50 or over
you’re going to have a grand time in St. George.
Competition is available in about 25 different sports and, typically,
is divided into 5 year increments.
So, if you’re 55 you’ll be competing only with others who are from 55
through 59. You can even look
on the website and see the results from last year as well as the event
records overall. That way
you’ll know exactly what you need to do to be competitive.
If you can beat all of last year’s numbers in your event, you may be
picking up a medal when you go! But train hard anyway, because someone will
be shooting for the same medals.
Let me
say, however, that I hope medals are not the only thing you’re looking for
here. In my opinion the Huntsman Games are really more about camaraderie,
sportsmanship and fun. The
opportunity to meet people who may become lifelong friends abounds here.
Many of the events have their own social functions before or after
the events and, when I was there, a few dances and parties were included as
well.
One of
the most important events is the Grand Opening Ceremony.
In a small town of only 70,000 you might not expect much, but you’d
be surprised. I was genuinely
impressed by the scope of the event and the tremendous turnout.
I seem to recall that the paper estimated about 10,000 people
attended. And, I’m not sure if
that included the athletes who marched in the parade.
The show is pretty spectacular and makes for a great evening to begin
the Games.
The
Games last for two weeks, but it is a well organized and well run schedule
of events. Certainly you are welcome to stay for the full two weeks, but you
possibly won’t have that much time.
The chances are that your event or events (you can enter several
different categories) will last only a few days.
You can then take your side trip to Zion
or Bryce Canyon
or maybe just hang out and watch some of the other events. Or join in some
of the social events.
 There are also
complimentary health screenings included with your registration. And,
speaking of registration maybe you want to know what events are available.
Some are more “athletic” than others, but all are fun.
A partial list of the more than 25 events include Track & Field,
Tennis, Bowling, Archery, Badminton, Softball, Horseshoes, Square Dancing,
Lawn Bowling, Bridge, Cowboy Action Shoot (look it up on the website),
Mountain Biking, Race Walking, Swimming, Triathlon and more.
If you know what Pickleball is you’re way ahead of me, but it is on
the list. And, if you want to
compete and don’t have a partner or your partner just can’t make it, when
you register you can sign up for a partner and the Huntsman Games staff will
find one for you.
 Of course, lots of events
won’t require a partner, so if you take along a spouse or friend who doesn’t
compete you can both rest assured that there is plenty to do in the area.
St. George is home to a couple of the finest spas in
North America, including the Red Mountain Spa and Resort.
You’ll love the beautiful accommodations, the excellent meals and all
the amenities of this top level resort.
If you
need to keep your eye on your budget check out the Holiday Inn Resort.
Nicely located within walking distance of restaurants and shopping
it’s a very nice property with a long list of amenities including a swimming
pool and internet access all at a very reasonable price.
 Driving up to St. George,
I stopped off for an overnight stay in Mesquite, Nevada.
I had heard that many of the teams stay at the Casablanca Resort.
The resort even holds its own softball tournaments as sort of a
warm-up for visiting teams that commute from the resort to St. George for
the games. It’s a beautiful
resort with an enormous swimming pool and something that St. George does not
have – a casino.
 I guess you can see by now
that your visit to the Huntsman World Senior Games can be almost anything
you want it to be. And, to make
it even more interesting, at least for some, the trip will likely begin when
you step off at the nearest major airport – Las Vegas!
I won’t even try to tell you all your options in this never stop
city, but I will mention a few things you may not want to miss.
 I went looking for the
“Old Las Vegas” before heading up to St. George.
I wondered if I could still find a 99 cent Shrimp Cocktail or a two
buck breakfast. Believe it or not I discovered the shrimp cocktail at the
Golden Gate and the breakfast at Binion’s.
Both of these are in the newly redeveloped downtown area and you
really should walk around under the new canopy just to get an idea of what
the “old” city used to be like. I did have to join the player’s club at the
Golden Gate to get the 99 cent shrimp cocktail, but it only took a couple of
minutes. Otherwise it’s still
only $1.99. Not jumbo shrimp,
but delicious nonetheless.
 You may want to visit The
Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy for a chance to get an up-close look at
the magnificent animals they worked with for years. The White Lions of
Timbavati and the White Tigers are worth the visit alone.
 A
special treat can be found at the new Wynn’s Encore Hotel.
The suites are stunning, with great views and loaded with modern
technology. The furnishings are splendid and the public spaces are
beautiful. What will really
surprise you is dinner at Switch.
In this restaurant the décor changes as you sit and dine.
Wall decorations disappear and new ones arrive.
The lighting changes along with the mood.
If you can’t get in to eat at least slow down as you walk past and
wait for one of the changes. Of
course, the food is outstanding, so if you’re dining at Switch it will be a
fabulous experience. And, if
you follow my path, the next stop is just as spectacular – LeReve.
This amazing aqua theater-in-the-round show with a cast of 85 offers
aerial acrobatics, feats of agility and strength and unbelievable special
effects. After the performers
dance on the surface, rise high into the air and then plummet back to the
surface, you discover that the “surface” has disappeared and they are
plunging into water. Breathtaking is perhaps the best word to describe
LeReve.
 If you’re looking for a
volcanic experience then the Mirage is your answer.
The nightly displays are spectacular. Well, o.k., this is
Las Vegas
and everything here is spectacular, but this volcano really is.
If you don’t believe it, come see for yourself.
Along with hundreds of other people you’ll be out there waiting for
it to erupt – then you’ll believe. Inside, you’ll be impressed as well. Here
you’ll find luxury in the heart of the strip and a Gourmet Prix Fixe Menus
for only $29.99.
 And, if you want to make
your whole experience the “old” Vegas one, as long as you’re downtown
searching for that 99 cent shrimp cocktail you can check into the Golden
Nugget. You’ll find it
comfortable, reasonable and in the heart of the downtown action.
We can’t
leave Las Vegas without one last recommendation.
Go see a performance by Cirque du Soleil.
I haven’t seen them all, but I have never been disappointed by any of
them. Be prepared to be
overwhelmed. A hint – you don’t have to sit in the front row. As a matter of
fact if you sit farther back you’ll be able to take in more of the myriad
things going on all around you.
Keep on
Traveling!
When
You Go
http://www.seniorgames.net.
Everything you’ll need to sign up for the next Huntsman World Senior Games.
Take some friends and have a ball . . . and play ball.
www.StGeorgeUtah.com. Look for
this and other St. George sites on the web for hotels, restaurants, events,
and everything you need for a great trip – and, you don’t have to wait for
the senior games. It’s a great
base for visiting Zion and Bryce National Parks.
 http://www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas/index.jsp.
All kinds of great stuff here for Las Vegas
http://www.encorelasvegas.com.
What you need to know for a great night in Vegas
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/lasvegas. Always spectacular.
http://www.mirage.com. For reservations
and information. What time is
the volcano?
Story and by Robert Painter, Luxury Adventure Travel Editor
(rpainter2006@comcast.net)
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