Huntsman World Senior GamesAnd Vegas on the Wayby 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 Gohttp://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) | 