By: Breven Honda

The planning for the 2023 Mesquite Senior Games is in full effect.

With 16 events spanning across seven weeks, coordination is in the works for seniors to get out and most importantly, enjoy themselves.

“One of the biggest things we have to do, is we have to make sure the seniors who participate in the events have fun,” said Shaun Edwards, who was recently named the new Sports Director. “Because that’s what this is really all about. It’s getting seniors out, getting them active and making sure they have a good time doing the events that we set up for them.”

As the new sports director, it is Edwards’ job to ensure he coordinates those in charge of each event.

“Whoever is in charge of each event, I have to make sure they have the necessary equipment and materials,” Edwards said. “I have to make sure they know what they’re doing and have overwatch to make sure each event goes off as planned.”

Currently, Edwards is looking for a Track and Field Coordinator.

Having the coordinators are vital to the success of each event being run smoothly.

The Mesquite Senior Games spring season kick off on March 3, with the Target Pistol event as well as the Shotgun Sports event that continues to the following day.

The final event, Bocce, is from April 17-20.

Some of the other events on the schedule include bowling, cornhole, golf, softball and pickleball.

With the rise of pickleball over the last couple of years, Edwards said it has become a qualified sport and the impact has even been felt by Mesquite locals.

“It’s to the point now where the pickleball sport is being professionalized all the way down to the amateur level,” Edwards said. “If you go to the Mesquite Rec Center any day of the week and walk across the street to the pickleball courts, you’ll see people out there in all different skill levels.”

All 16 events are open to those 50 years and older as registration is slated to begin in January.