For Immediate Release
January 24, 2018
Contact: Anthony R. Romero, Associate Director,
City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs
505-764-6406 (Office)
505-977-4565 (Cellular)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Albuquerque is well on its way in preparing for the 2019 National Senior Games that will take place in our city June 14-25, 2019. The individual charged with leading this effort is Hazel Tull-Leach who began her role as the Executive Director for The Games in late December 2017. “We are excited that Hazel has taken the reins to help Albuquerque host the 2019 National Senior Games. She brings a wealth of experience to help prepare for and execute a successful event. The Senior Games will showcase our city as a one-of-a-kind multicultural destination for all of the athletes and supporters coming to visit and participate in the fun,” said Mayor Keller. Prior to taking on this role with the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs, Hazel played a critical part as a development professional in organizations such as NDI New Mexico, the University of New Mexico Foundation, and UNM Hospitals/UNM Children’s Hospital. As an athlete, leading this multisport competition is a great fit. Before she came to Albuquerque, she played basketball at Texas Tech. Hazel was the assistant coach for the UNM Ladies Basketball team for five years; the team won a WAC Championship and its first NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 berth in history. Tull-Leach said, “It is a privilege to be able to lead an initiative so important for Albuquerque, the State of New Mexico, and seniors across the country.”
The National Senior Games Association is also in town this week hosting their 2018 National Senior Games Association Annual Conference. During this conference, individuals from all over the United States will tour the venues that will be part of the 2019 National Senior Games. Some of the venues include the new Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex, Balloon Fiesta Park, Jerry Cline Tennis Facility, and the University of New Mexico. These representatives will take back all of the information that they receive from the conference to encourage athletes in their areas to qualify for the National Games in Albuquerque. The media is invited to the following events that will take place this week:
Thursday, January 25th – Welcome Reception
Albuquerque Museum v 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, January 26th – General Session
Albuquerque Convention Center (Cochiti/Taos Room) v 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 27th – Social
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center v 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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