More athletes than ever before are taking part in this year’s edition of the Iowa Senior Games. Cory Kennedy, spokesman for the 38th annual event, says it’s gratifying to see the popularity continue to grow, year after year.

The games opened Wednesday, with many events underway at Waukee High School in metro Des Moines.

Tennis is among the 30 sports at the games. (Iowa Senior Games 2023 photo)

The sports range from football and tennis to pickleball and granny basketball.

The events run through Sunday. You have to be at least 50 years old to participate in the Iowa Senior Games, though Kennedy says they have a good number of competitors who are well into their 90s.

Originally known as the Iowa Senior Olympics, Kennedy says the event provides a venue for competition among peers with the chance to earn the gold, silver, or bronze medals awarded to the top three individuals in each age group event. Winners have the opportunity to advance to the National Senior Games and world competition.

One the web at www.iowaseniorgames.org