The Florida Senior Games is a multi-sport event program for adults 50 and over. The movement started in Florida when the Golden Age Games were created in Sanford in 1974. In 1998, a task force determined it was time to bring all the existing local senior games together to create standardization and a state championship.

In 1992, Bradenton held the first Florida Senior Games State Championships. The program continues to grow and provides fun, fellowship, and fitness for Florida’s fastest-growing age group. The focus is not on winning but on participating, and the games are designed to:

• encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle
• provide an opportunity to compete at the local, state, and national level
• provide an affordable and quality multi-sport festival that Florida seniors can call their own

Locally, the 34th annual Gulf Coast Games for Life will be held from January 14th through February 5th. The games are hosted by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources; and the City of North Port Parks & Recreation. Events will take place in Sarasota County, Manatee County, and the City of North Port. The games will take place over 10 days with 16 events, including Archery, Bag Toss (Corn Hole), Basketball Shooting, Bowling, Cycling, Golf, Pickleball, Race Walk/Power Walk, Racquetball, 5K Road Race, Rowing and Paddle, Shuffleboard, Swimming, Table Tennis, Target Shooting, and Track and Field.

The 2023 Gulf Coast Games for Life is a qualifier for the Florida Senior Games State Championship. 

View the complete guide here. 

Register online at this link.