Huntsman World Senior Games celebrates 35th year with gala opening ceremonies in St. George

Written by E. George Goold
October 5, 2022

ST. GEORGE — It was a time for music, dancing and celebration Tuesday night at Greater Zion Stadium as the 35th annual edition of the Huntsman World Senior Games officially began.

Olympian Bill Schuffenhauer addressed the athletes and their families with a speech before he led the athletes in the swearing of the oath.

Raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Schuffenhauer survived a tough upbringing and with the help of his grandmother discovered sports. He said he was always fast, an ability to run that came in handy when he had to evade trouble on the streets, and sometimes, police.

Schuffenhauer said track and field coaches saw potential in him, a potential realized after he won junior nationals while a student at Weber State University.

After more life adversity, he later discovered bobsledding. Schuffenhauer was a member of the four-man bobsled team that won the silver medal at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games in 2002.

Olympian Bill Shuffenhauer speaks at the opening ceremonies of the 35th Huntsman World Senior Games, St. George, Utah, Oct. 4, 2022 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

“As an athlete of the Huntsman World Senior Games, I promise that I will take part in this event, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern it,” Schuffenhauer said as the athletes repeated aloud after him. “In the true spirit of sportsmanship, and to do my best to fulfill the mission of these games, which is to foster worldwide peace, health and friendship.”

The ceremony paid special tribute to John H. Morgan, the founder of the games. This 35th edition is the first to run since Morgan passed away in January.

Two of Morgan’s daughters were on hand to help light the ceremonial torch (see above video).

Also on hand was Ruby Parkin Earl, granddaughter of John and Karen Huntsman, who for the second consecutive year helped light the torch.

“Last year was the first time that my husband and I had the opportunity to be part of the Huntsman senior games,” Earl told the crowd. “I have to say, I was so inspired. Every event that I went to from swimming to softball, to cycling, to running. I was just amazed.”

She went on to say that she was inspired to run this year’s St. George Marathon after witnessing the energy and enthusiasm displayed by seniors in the games.

“I was inspired by your actions of taking care of your health,” Earl said. “Because when you take care of your health, you’re able to (take) care of those around you as well and love them.”

A record 11,300 participants are expected in the games, held at various sites around St. George now through Oct. 15.

A total of 33 different countries are represented this year, bringing the total number of nations participating in the Huntsman World Senior Games since its start in 1987 to 86.

Athletes will compete in 35 different events. To see a list of events and for further information, go to the Huntsman World Senior Games website.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eric George Goold came to St. George News from southwestern Colorado, where he was a radio news reporter. He has been a journalist for over 20 years in five different states. He graduated with a master's degree in English from Kansas State University and writes nonfiction as well. Goold has been published in Sunstone Magazine and has done multiple public readings about local history. When he has free time, he enjoys chess, movies and dogs.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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