Photos: At Senior Games, champion spirit never gets old

Cyclists stayed warm before competing.
Cyclists stayed warm before competing in a race at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
Ben Garvin | KARE 11 News

Nearly 10,000 athletes have taken up positions around the Twin Cities for the National Senior Games. Men and women with at least five decades under their Spandex began competing July 3 in a series of events that conclude July 16. Sports represented in the games include cycling, volleyball, triathlon and racquetball.

Held every two years, the games reportedly generate tens of millions of dollars for the host community and draw friends and family by the tens of thousands. Organizers expected that 2,500 volunteers would help run the event in the Twin Cities. Events are free and open to the public. For schedules and venue information, go to www.nsga.com.

MPR News and KARE 11 teamed up to take a look at some moments at this year's National Senior Games through a format called the cinemagraph. These animated GIFs are made by combining video and still photos, isolating selected movements in each frame.