Hayesville – At 10 a.m. Saturday, the Cherokee/Clay Senior Games & SilverArts will kick off four consecutive weeks of sports, games and art competitions for ages 50 and older who want to get out, have some fun and fellowship with friends and family.
This year, the opening day ceremony and kickoff games will take place at the Clay County Recreation Center. American Legion Post 523 will be providing the Color Guard for the ceremony, and their Auxiliary arm will be providing food at the concessions stand.
Immediately following the 10 a.m. ceremony, participants will start the game schedule with the following events:
- Fun walk (with a free raffle ticket for those who complete the half-mile course).
- Football target throw.
- Softball throw.
- Basketball shooting
- Shot put.
- Discus.
- 1,500-meter power walk.
All participants play in five-year age divisions. Everyone ages 50 and older and a resident of Cherokee, Clay or Graham counties is invited to participate.
If you haven’t registered yet for the Senior Games, there is still time – you can even show up at game time, register and play. For a $15 registration fee, you can participate in any or all of the events.
Over the course of four weeks, there will be something going on just about every day, as there are more than 20 sports and games to play.
For those more artistically inclined, there are more than 30 categories of arts and crafts, which are part
of the SilverArts Showcase competition to enter, including Visual, Heritage and Performing arts (the Literary arts deadline has already passed). And for those with a competitive streak, you can qualify for the State Finals later this year.
For anyone who wants to enter the Heritage or Visual Arts competition, the deadline to enter is Tuesday, May 2. All artwork should be dropped off at the Cherokee County Arts Council in downtown Murphy from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 3.
Performing artists (vocal, instrumental, dance and comedy/drama categories) will get to display their talents on stage at the closing ceremony banquet, which will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Tri-County Community College’s Enlo Building in Peachtree. For details, visit cherokeecountyseniorgames.org or call Penland Senior Center in Murphy at 828-837-2467.