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By Terence Faries
Contributing Writer
The Cherokee/Clay Senior Games opening ceremony at Andrews Recreation Park was a success on May 8.
Nearly 50 senior competitors showed up for the opening six events along with friends, family, volunteers and dignitaries, including Andrews Mayor James Reid as well as Cherokee County Commissioners Jan Griggs and Cal Stiles. Also representing the sponsors were Craig Taylor with Humana, Linda May with Modern Woodmen of America and Phillip “Peewee” Davis, director of the county Parks & Recreation Department.
Altogether, there were nearly 100 in attendance and a fun day was had by all. There were competitors from their 50s all the way to 95 years old taking home a total of 106 medals in their various age divisions.
If you haven’t registered yet for the Senior Games, there is still time as you can show up this week or next at game time, register and play. Anyone who is 50 and over and a resident of Cherokee, Clay or Graham counties can join in and participate.
All local games sports competitors qualify to show their stuff at the N.C. State Finals to be held later in the year against the best of the rest of the state. Come have some fun with Horseshoes, Bowling, Shuffleboard and Cornhole just some of the events being held:
- 9 a.m. today – Table Tennis at Andrews Senior Center.
- 1 p.m. today – Bowling Mixed Doubles at Ultrastar Multi-tainment center at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy.
- 9 a.m. Thursday –Tennis at Konehete Park in Murphy.
- 9 a.m. Friday – Badminton at the Old Rock Gym in Murphy.
- 1 p.m. Friday Cornhole at Old Rock Gym.
- 9 a.m. Saturday –Track & Field events (50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 5K Race Walk) at Murphy High School.
- 9 a.m. Monday – 5K Road Race starting at Murphy Health & Fitness parking lot.
- 9 a.m. Monday – Bocce ball (singles) at Konehete Park courts.
- 5 p.m. Monday – Swimming (all events) at Murphy Health & Fitness pool.
- 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 26 – Bocce ball (doubles/mixed doubles) at Konehete Park courts.
- 9 a.m. Thursday – Chess tournament at Murphy Art Center.
- 10 a.m. Friday, May 28 – Mini-Golf at Bear Creek Adventures (additional fee).
- 6 p.m. Saturday, May 29 – Closing Ceremony & Performing Arts Follies at Peachtree Community Center.
In addition, stop at the Murphy Art Center and have a look at the works of art of SilverArts seniors. There are more than 100 pieces of arts and crafts in over 30 different disciplines competing for medals. The SilverArts Showcase will be available for public viewing until Saturday.
For details, visit cherokeecountyseniorgames.org or call Penland Senior Center in Murphy at 837-2467.