Registration is now open for the annual Mid-Carolina Senior Games.
Games are scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 19, and continue through Monday, May 8, in various locations in Sampson, Cumberland and Harnett counties. More than 30 various individual and team sporting events are available for athletes. The event encourages seniors to build or continue a healthy lifestyle while having fun and fellowship with their peers. Some of the listed events includes badminton, corn hole, shot-put, swimming, table tennis and track events.
Each year, the program is sanctioned by North Carolina Senior Games, Inc. and sponsored statewide by the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services. Coordinator Tracy Davis is looking forward to the event as well. She is also the health promotion coordinator for the Mid-Carolina Area Agency on Aging.
“This is my 16th year with Mid-Carolina Senior Games,” Davis said. “I have lots of different things that I do with my job. The Senior Games is what I’m most passionate about. It’s the most fun for me and I love the participants. They have so much wisdom.”
The Silver Arts competition includes visual, literacy, heritage and performing arts. It will be held at the Hercules Fitness Center. Some of the listed activities include drawing, essays, knitting and music.
Opening ceremonies will be held April 19 at the Hercules Fitness Center, 763 Armistead St., Fort Bragg. Following the ceremony, games will take place at various locations including Campbell University, Hope Mills Recreation Center Gym the Fayetteville YMCA.
Several events are scheduled to take place in Sampson County.Royal Lane Park in Clinton will host a shuffleboard contest for men and women on Monday, April 24. The women’s contest is scheduled for 9 a.m., followed by the women’s at 11 a.m.
Later, a horseshoe contest will be held Thursday, April 27, at the same park. The women’s contest is set for 9 a.m. and the men’s is 11 a.m.
Roseboro’s Western District Park is hosting bocce at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 3.
Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded for several age categories. The age groups are as follows: 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, 75 to 79, 80 to 84, 85 to 89, 90 to 94, 95 to 99, and 100 and up.
Medal winners in all categories qualify for the North Carolina Senior Games in the fall. Winners at the state level are eligible for the National Senior Games held every two years.
Early registration through March 8 is $10 and March 9 through March 29 is $15. The deadline for registration is March 29. Participants may save $1 online by visiting www.torchncseniorgames.org. Forms are available online www.mccog.org/aging_about.asp
For more information regarding registration or volunteering opportunities, contact Tracy Davis at Mid-Carolina Senior Games, P.O. Box Drawer 1510, Fayetteville, NC 28302 or by calling 910-323-4191, Ext. 27; by fax at 910-323-9330; and by email at [email protected].
Local participant may also contact ambassadors from Sampson County. The member include Joyce Hill, 910-214-0531; Linda Combs, 910-592-7761; and Mary or Pat Jones, 910-564-4670.