Senior Games end in style

  • Photos by Terence Fairies/Contributing Photographer Patty Singer was this year’s torch bearer as well as the Senior Games Spirit Award winner.
    Photos by Terence Fairies/Contributing Photographer Patty Singer was this year’s torch bearer as well as the Senior Games Spirit Award winner.
  • This year’s game saw plenty of new inductees into the Hall of Records.
    This year’s game saw plenty of new inductees into the Hall of Records.

    By Terence Fairies, Contributing Writer

    Murphy – The closing ceremony, banquet and performing arts follies took place May 21 to officially close the Cherokee & Clay Counties Senior Games and SilverArts Showcase for 2022.

    A record 178 people, including 62 first-time participants, joined the fun over three weeks of friendly competition. As part of the closing ceremony, six performing artists presented their acts – as well as other awards along with a Hall of Records induction to “immortalize” 44 new sports and games records that were set. 

    Altogether, 755 medals were taken home by local seniors in 46 sports and games events, competing in gender and 5-year age divisions along with 33 SilverArts Visual, Heritage, Literary and Performing Arts categories. This year for the first time, SilverArts medalists were recognized with an awards ceremony at the Murphy Art Center after the artwork was judged.

    Many participants are looking forward to competing at the State Finals in Raleigh and other venues.

    This summer, organizers are planning to conduct some game days and get-togethers, where everyone is welcome. The dates, times and venues will be posted at cherokeecountyseniorgames.org or on the Senior Games Facebook page.