A Lifetime Sport

If you ever had any doubt about tennis being a lifetime sport, talk to the competitors at the 2023 National Senior Games. 

Founded in 1987, the National Senior Games has existed as a non-profit organization dedicated to motivating active adults to lead a healthy lifestyle. The Games are held every two years at different locations throughout the United States, with more than 20 sports offered to play.  

The event recently took place in July at sites throughout Pittsburgh. The tennis division ages ranged from 50 to 95 years old, with more than 1,000 matches played and 500 individual participants traveling in from around the country. 

For the past three years, Doug Wenger has been the Tennis Tournament Director of the National Senior Games. He became involved after winning his division in the 2017 Games, hosted in Alabama. 

Wenger is an incredible help to the players and volunteers since he’s started. Martez Banks, a Senior Games player and military veteran, gifted Doug a “challenge coin” to acknowledge appreciation for Doug’s kindness, hard work, and support this year. 

From Pinehurst, N.C., 89-year-old Red Sheraton traveled to Pittsburgh to play in the Senior Games for the eighth year. Sheraton began playing tennis after retiring at the age of 60. 

“I didn’t play tennis, but I saw old guys playing it and having fun,” he said. “So I said ‘I wonder if I can learn how to play tennis!’”

Growing up, Sheraton played basketball, football and baseball. His baseball experience inspired his participation in the softball Senior Games, along with tennis. Sheraton originally lived in Johnstown, Pa. as a steel mill worker, and then worked for the federal government for 33 years until his retirement.