By Terence Fairies, Contributing Writer
Raleigh – A record number of 25 participants from Cherokee and Clay counties took part in the annual N.C. Senior Games State Finals this year.
More than 2,800 competitors from around the state gathered to compete in the sports and SilverArts competitions. Local participants picked up a total of 24 medals – 15 gold, six silver and three bronze – a great showing for the area.
On the sports side, 11 competitors made the trip to compete in 33 events in five-year age divisions, picking up six gold, five silver and two bronze medals.
Local gold medalists were:
- Terence Fairies (100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, standing long jump, running long jump);
- Ruth Harrell (5k power walking);
- Darryl Jones (badminton singles and mixed doubles);
- Jon Jordan (badminton singles);
- Phil Stone (golf).
Silver medalists were:
- Jane Birchfield (mini golf);
- Debra Bolle (5k power walking);
- Terence Fairies (50-meter dash);
- Harrell (1,500-meter power walking);
- Lisa Sellers (badminton singles).
Bronze medalists were:
- Mary Mott (golf);
- Sellers (50-meter dash).
The 14 area SilverArtists, who submitted 17 entries, earned six gold medals, one silver, one bronze and one honorable mention in a field loaded with talent.
Local gold medalists were:
- Jim Allsopp (stained glass);
- Terence Fairies (wood carving);
- Mike Lalone (pottery);
- Cathy Mozley (pastels);
- Linda Thompson (weaving);
- Debra Vanderlaan (photography-digital).
The silver medalist was:
- Christine Fairies (basket weaving).
The bronze medalist was:
- Birchfield (essay writing);
The honorable mention was:
- Jan Kirk (poetry).