By Terence Faries, Contributing Writer
Peachtree – The Senior Games Closing Ceremony, Banquet & Performing Arts Follies took place on May 20 at Tri-County Community College to officially close the Cherokee/Clay County Senior Games & SilverArts Showcase events for 2023.
Another new record was set this year of 207 participants, including 76 first-timers, who enjoyed fun times with friendly competition over four weeks this spring. As part of the Closing Ceremony, seven performing artists presented their acts, with Maralyn Coscia earning the Best in Show medal, which qualified her to represent Cherokee/Clay at the State Finals in the fall.
Other awards were also presented along with a Hall of Records induction to “immortalize” 79 new sports and games records (46 women and 33 men), which will stand forever – or at least until next year. The associate director of the N.C. Senior Games, Lynn Harrell, was our special guest and made the drive from Raleigh to help us celebrate the local games.
All together, 850 medals were taken home by Cherokee/Clay seniors in 46 sports and games events competing in gender and five-year age divisions along with 35 SilverArts Visual, Heritage, Literary and Performing Arts categories. A celebration of the SilverArts took place at an Awards Ceremony at the Cherokee County Arts Council after the artwork had been judged.
Many participants who qualified locally are already looking forward to competing at the State Finals, which will be held in September/October in Raleigh.
This summer, organizers are planning to conduct some fun-time game days and social get-togethers, and everyone is welcome. For anyone interested, the dates, times and venues will be posted later on cherokeecountyseniorgames.org.
You’re never too old for Senior Games, so you’re invited to come and join.