Betty Allgood-Hayes senior games medalist
By Lauren Presley
Betty Allgood-Hayes has been involved with Senior Games since 1993, when her husband Bill saw an article in the newspaper and started running at Senior Games events. Betty saw her husband participating so much that she decided she needed to participate too, and she has been a supporter of Senior Games ever since. She participates in race-walking, and sometimes competes in cornhole, softball and football throws.
Betty worked in an office until her three sons graduated and then she went to nursing school to become an RN. She worked at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston Salem until she retired in 1997. She now gives her time volunteering at a hospice facility. She enjoys outdoor gardening and travelling. She is also involved with her church and makes quilts to give to people in need through a church ministry program.
Betty loves to spend time with her family, who are very supportive of her participation in Senior Games. Her three sons and husband love to cheer her on at her various races.
Even her grandsons cheer, “Granny … 80 years old .. win another gold!”
What does she love about Senior Games? “I think it’s the comradery, the friends that you’ve met over the years. It’s just kind of special, at the State level and even nationally.”
Reprinted by permission of the N.C. Senior Games newsletter.