World Senior Games
The World Senior Games (since 1989 Huntsman World Senior Games for sponsorship reasons) is the largest annual multi-sport senior competition in the world (Most participants are U.S. citizens, but athletes from Canada, Australia, Russia, Japan and several other countries also participate). The Games was founded in 1987 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, "with the mission to foster worldwide peace, health and friendship and lead the world in active aging. All athletes aged 50 and over, of all skill levels, are eligible to compete. No pre-qualification is necessary. In addition to self-registered entries, invitation-only tournaments are also included, such as the Global Cup World Senior Volleyball Championships. In 2018, 11,033 athletes from around the world participated, including 349 softball teams and 213 volleyball teams. Following the tradition of the Olympic Games, opening ceremonies are held at Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, and feature a parade of athletes and a fireworks display. Singing and dancing performances at the opening ceremonies are provided by the performing arts studio Diamond Talent. In many events, U.S. competitors' results from the competition serve to qualify for the biennial National Senior Games. Swimming events are eligible for setting masters swimming records.