Last week’s edition of the Cherokee Scout included a special section on the 2024 Cherokee-Clay County Senior Games & Silver Arts, a friendly annual competition for ages 50 and up. Our counties have also sent many talented senior athletes and artists to the State Finals in Raleigh.
While early bird registration is over, there’s still plenty of time to participate over the next two months. The deadline for Literary Arts is midnight Friday, April 5; the deadline for Heritage/Visual Arts is 1 p.m. Thursday, April 11; and the Silver Arts awards ceremony set for 4 p.m. Friday, April 12. The opening day ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, with the closing ceremony set for 6 p.m. Saturday, May 18.
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The nonprofit local organization was launched in 2007, with the first Senior Games taking place in 2008. The state organization began in 1983 with a vision to create a year-round health and education program for older North Carolinians. Around the state, about 60,000 people are involved in 52 county events.
The Senior Games promotes and encourages seniors to stay fit in body, mind and spirit, while enjoying the company of friends, family, spectators and volunteers. You can choose from more than 40 athletic events, like track and field, swimming, pickleball, bowling, golf, bocce ball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, cornhole and table tennis. Just come and play, with the goals of “fun, fitness, fellowship and family.”
Local residents Terence and Chris Faries have done a great job as co-coordinators of the games, stirring up additional interest and making sure to keep everyone up to date. For details, email cherokeeclaycosrgames@gmail.com. Stay active, stay healthy and we’ll see you at the games.
– Publisher David Brown