Thursday, NOVEMBER 13, 2025 |

Photo – Deshann Schinkel – Courtesy National Senior Games Association

The director of the Wyoming Senior Olympics is working to bring the annual games to Rawlins.

During the November 4th Rawlins City Council meeting, Wyoming Senior Olympics Executive Director DeShann Schinkel updated the governing body on her organization’s activities. Schinkel, who also serves as the West Region Representative for the National Senior Games Association, began by explaining her history of service to the City of Rawlins, including her role in establishing the Rawlins Downtown Development Authority and Rochelle Ranch Golf Course.

Wyoming Senior Olympics is a nonprofit organization that hosts competitive and recreational sports for adults 50 and older, guided by the motto, “Live your life. Forget your age.” Schinkel explained that before 2020, the games were operated out of municipal recreation centers across the state. After the COVID pandemic, the organization was forced to relocate to Laramie, where Schinkel was hired as part-time executive director.

Speaking to the Rawlins City Council, Schinkel said her heart is in recreation and coaching. As executive director of the Wyoming Senior Olympics, she now has the opportunity to coach senior citizens.

Schinkel highlighted several of Wyoming’s better-known senior athletes.

Schinkel said the mission of the Wyoming Senior Olympics is to inspire adults to lead active, connected lives. To meet that goal, the Executive Director said her organization offers a wide range of summer and winter sports for residents 50 and older.

Schinkel said the Wyoming Senior Olympics offers more than just sports. The organization provides older residents a place to gather and connect.

Schinkel said the organization keeps growing, with participation rising from roughly 400 athletes per event in 2018 to nearly 1,000 today.

This year, the Wyoming Senior Olympics rolled out the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam, or SAFE, a free personalized fitness program, and added competitions for athletes 35 and up. Schinkel said the younger athletes are enjoying the new offerings.

Having lived in Rawlins for most of her life, Schinkel said she is working to bring the Senior Olympics to her hometown, adding that the games will bring an economic boost to the city.

Schinkel said that in 2026, the Wyoming Senior Olympics will bring a series of competitions to Rawlins, including golf and shooting events. Additionally, the National Senior Games Association will give participants a chance to qualify for the 2027 Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In 2027, the National Senior Games Association will host two qualifying events across Wyoming, one in Cheyenne and the other in Casper, with Rawlins falling under the jurisdiction of the Casper event.

Schinkel said she is taking steps to bring the 2031 National Senior Games to Wyoming, a first for the organization. While several cities are under consideration, Schinkel said Casper appears to be the most prepared to host the nationwide tournament.

Schinkel said the city’s existing sports facilities, along with its location on Interstate 80, make Rawlins an ideal site for future Wyoming Senior Olympic games.

The post Director of Senior Sports Organization Works to Bring Games to Rawlins first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.