Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District’s Oldlympics were recognized as Outstanding Activity/Program/Special Event by the California Association of Recreation and Park District’s. The Oldlympics were honored during the 2024 CARPD Conference on May 23 in Sonoma

The CARPD Outstanding Activity/Program/Special Event category honors outstanding and unique achievements in program planning, development, and implementation of a District activity or special event.

When Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District was created in 1972, the impetus was to provide recreational opportunities for the youth in Hemet and San Jacinto. But there was another large population that needed to be served as well, senior citizens. The area had become a retirement Mecca and while many 55+ communities offered activities for their residents, the new park district did as well.

In 1985, the District created an Olympics style event for the older residents of the community. Calling the extravaganza the Oldlympics, the competition combined traditional senior activities such as shuffleboard, golf, lawn bowling, billiards and cards with more physically demanding sports such as tennis and track and field.

The event quickly became one of the more popular in the district and is thriving as plans are being made for the 39th annual event in the Fall. More than 800 people competed in 19 events over 18 days in 2023.

“We are honored that the Oldlympics were recognized by the CARPD. It is the highest recognition our agency can receive,” Valley-Wide General Manager Dean Wetter said. “The entire Valley-Wide team enjoys offering such a fun and uplifting event to our community.”

The California Association of Recreation and Park Districts represents special recreation and park districts throughout California. CARPD has been dedicated to improving the quality and efficiency of recreation and park districts. The California Association of Recreation and Park Districts advocates for and provides park districts with the support needed to fulfill their role as providers of quality programs and facilities to their local communities.  Learn more at caparkdistricts.org/