Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Launches 2026 High Desert Games for Athletes 50 and Up

The Bonnie Dallas Senior Center kicked off its 2026 High Desert Games this month, launching a multi-month Senior Olympics program that runs through May and draws athletes age 50 and up from across the Four Corners region.

Held in association with the New Mexico Senior Olympics, the Games opened with a ceremony lunch at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2, at the center's Farmington locations at 109 E La Plata Street and 208 N Wall Avenue. That ceremony date also marked a firm new deadline: unlike past years, when athletes could register up until the day before their chosen event, registration closed at the conclusion of the Opening Ceremonies this year to help streamline coordination and event planning.

For a $15 entry fee, registered participants received access to all events, lunch at both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and a 2026 High Desert Games T-shirt. Competition spans shuffleboard, cornhole, table tennis, and pool, with gold medals on offer across events designed for all skill levels.

Martin Moulton, Adult Programs Manager at the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center, framed the purpose of the Games plainly. "These games are about bringing people together," Moulton said. "They promote health, connection, and fun in a welcoming environment. Whether you're highly competitive or just looking to try something new, the High Desert Games offer a great way to be active and engaged in our community."

The program continues through May, with the Closing Ceremony lunch included in the registration package. Anyone with questions can reach the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center at (505) 599-1380.

The center also announced a separate program for family caregivers. Through Caregiver Respite Funds available in San Juan County, the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center provides financial assistance to those caring for an elder family member. Enrollment requires registration and an assessment; once accepted, the program supplies funds participants can use to hire a caregiver of their choosing, with full flexibility over days and hours. Charlene Trujillo and Regina Bernally handle enrollment inquiries at the registration desk and can be reached at (505) 599-1390 or (505) 599-1388.