General 2026 Information
QUAD CITIES SUMMER GAMES (AGES 40+)
May 16 – May 30, 2026
(Sponsored by the QC Senior Olympics)
Updated 3/17/2026
The Quad Cities Summer Games are designed to get adults age 40 and over to be active, social, and engaged in friendly competition. Participants of all ability levels are welcome—from experienced competitors to first-time participants.
For just $40, participants receive:
- Entry into unlimited events
- An official T-shirt
- Up to three earned medals (additional medals available for $5 each)
- Pizza at the Opening Ceremonies
- A picnic meal at the Closing Ceremonies
WHAT'S NEW / NOTABLE IN 2026
Cycling Updates
The road race course has been modified for safety and shortened to 20K (12.4 miles) to align with National Senior Games standards.
Exhibition Ride (Inclusive Opportunity)
- May 29 (same evening as the cycling road race)
- Open to Class 1 & 3 e-bikes, tandems, recumbents, and others
- Normal registration for $40
- This is a controlled ride, not a race
- Participants receive full Games benefits in all events but no medals in the exhibition ride; participation recognition will be provided
Swim Meet Enhancements
- Now a U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) recognized meet
- Age 18+ for swim events and multi-day triathlon participation
- Added 25-yard events for beginners (not USMS-recognized, but medal-eligible)
Multi-Day Triathlon
Participants who complete all three of the following will be eligible for multi-day triathlon medals:
- 500 yd swim
- 20K cycling road race
- Fleet Feet 5K
No additional registration is required; results will be combined automatically. Masters swimmers ages 18–40 may enter the cycling and running events to complete the triathlon.
Pickleball Tournament
May 16 (sponsored by JOOLA). This is a novice tournament for players rated under 3.5.
Fleet Feet 5K (May 25)
This race is both a Fleet Feet event and a Summer Games event. Participants receive the amenities of both if you register through the Summer Games.
EVENT OVERVIEW
The Games include both sports and non-sports activities. Offerings include cycling, swimming, track & field, pickleball, bowling, billiards, arts, literary events, and more. Some events may combine age groups where appropriate.
ELIGIBILITY
- Ages 40+ for most events
- Swim meet and multi-day triathlon: ages 18+
- Youth Track & Field Meet (May 29): ages 2–14
REGISTRATION AND DEADLINES
How to Register
Register online via the Registration tab at qcsogo.org (preferred). Paper registration is available but not recommended.
Deadlines
- May 14: Pickleball
- May 24: All other events
Notes
- Walk-up registration is allowed (except swimming)
- Early registration is strongly encouraged
YOUTH TRACK & FIELD MEET (MAY 29, 2026)
Open to ages 2–14, this meet is designed to be fun, flexible, and welcoming for all ability levels.
- Time/Location: 6:00 PM, Augustana College – Paul V. Olsen Track (Rock Island, IL)
- Registration: Participants register for the entire meet (not individual events)
- Events: 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, 4×50 relay, "no rules" relay, long jump, high jump, shot put, softball throw
- Awards: Ribbons awarded for places 1–9
Participants may register through the Summer Games or the Two Rivers YMCA.
FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS
- Bowling, golf, and billiards require additional venue fees
- Doubles partners must both be registered
- Performing arts groups: One $40 registration covers up to 8 participants. Groups exceeding 8 participants must register and pay for each additional group of up to 8 participants.
T-SHIRTS
Register by May 1 to guarantee a T-shirt in your size. After May 1, sizes may be limited.
Pickup options:
- Pickleball tournament for those registered
- Shuffleboard for those registered
- Opening or Closing Ceremonies
- Post-Games pickup at CASI (Davenport), unless otherwise noted
MEDALS
Medals will be awarded at the conclusion of events or at the Ken Anderson Center on May 30.
- Singles events: 5-year age groups
- Doubles events: medal structure determined by event
- In some cases, only overall gold, silver, and bronze will be awarded
CEREMONIES AND KEY LOCATIONS
Opening Ceremonies
Tuesday, May 26 – 5:00 PM
CASI, 1035 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA
- Arts & Crafts and Literary Arts awards presented
- T-shirt pickup available
- Event manager packet pickup
- Live music and light refreshments
Closing Ceremonies and Picnic
Saturday, May 30 – 4:30 PM
Ken Anderson Center Patio, Augustana College Track, 3600 5th Ave., Rock Island, IL
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are essential to the success of the Games. Participants are encouraged to volunteer for events in which they are not competing.
DONATIONS
Donations help keep registration costs low.
Ways to donate:
- During online registration (via Get Me Registered)
- Through partner organizations:
- Two Rivers YMCA (Illinois side)
- YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley (Iowa side)
VENDORS AND SPONSORS
To support the Games as a vendor or sponsor, contact:
Rhonda Elsbury
Email: rhondakelsbury@gmail.com
Phone: 309-798-7369
IMPORTANT DATES SUMMARY
- Games: May 16–30, 2026
- T-shirt deadline: May 1
- Registration deadlines: May 14 (pickleball), May 24 (all other events)
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD (DELMAR DEAN SMITH)
Those who witness outstanding sportsmanship are encouraged to submit nominations.
- Submit by May 29 via email: qcsogo@gmail.com
- On May 30, submissions may be made in writing at headquarters
Include:
- Your name
- Nominee's name
- Event
- Brief description of the action
FULL SCHEDULE
See the "2026 Schedule" tab at qcsogo.org for a complete listing of events, locations, and times.