Peachtree The 2024 Cherokee/Clay County Senior Games concluded Saturday after five weeks of competition.
The closing ceremony was held at Tri-County Community College. Despite rain outside, spirits were high inside as competitors and guests celebrated their accomplishments.
The night kicked off with a welcoming from Senior Games coordinator Terence Faries. After introduced and thanking the Senior Games board, Dr. Jillian Irwin, medical director of Cherokee County, gave a keynote speech. After she talked with the large group of athletes, dinner was served from Parker’s Burgers & Sweets.
After dinner, the final event of the 2024 Senior Games took place, the performing arts. Faries kicked off the performances with a song about the games, winning the gold medal for his performances. David Baumann won the silver in the solo vocal category.
Meanwhile, Jerry Leslie won the gold medal for his guitar performance in the solo instrumental category. In the comedy/drama category, Cobby Barfield took home gold for his stand-up comedy routine, which drew some big laughs. Suzan Grinarml won the silver medal in the solo comedy/drama category.
To conclude the performances, the Cherokee County Senior Drumfit performed in the large instrumental category. Tom Sells, Denise Cross, Kathy Fergusen, Vicky Smith, Ruth Harris, Connie Ashe, Bob Hart and Donna Rosenbloom performed their rendition of “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley. All of those in attendance got to vote on Best in Show for the performing arts, and Barfield was selected for his stand-up act.
Following the performing arts, the honors and awards began. Faries handed out many awards starting with special awards, such as awards for the person who was first to sign up online and in-person and an award for the person who competed in the most events.
Special medals for the “Top Shot Award” were given to Robin Alessi for best female shot and to Byron Bekken for best overall score in the highly popular air rifle target shooting event that was held for the first time this year. Alessi shot 169.1/200, while Bekken shot 185.1/200.
Michele Preisser was honored with two framed certificates for breaking state records at last year’s Senior Games. After she was honored for breaking state records, those who broke local records in the 2024 Cherokee/Clay County Senior Games were honored.
A total of 77 records were broken in 27 different games, from age groups ranging from 50-54 to 85-89; 18 women broke 40 records, while 23 men broke 37 records.
The closing ceremony concluded, with Michele Preisser carrying in the lit Senior Games torch and Faries blowing it out to signify the end of the 2024 Senior Games. After the event, athletes were encouraged to bring home photos taken by co-coordinator Chris Faries, who captured images of them competing.
Faries and the Senior Games will host a community event over the summer for seniors to come play games and enjoy time together, with details to come.