WS Chronicle

By Chuck Vestal

Plans are being made to safely host the 2021 Piedmont Plus Senior Games /SilverArts. No one can predict what the status of the pandemic will be in April, but we stand ready to host the Games, albeit with some changes. However, we are also prepared to scale back as necessary. 

It is our intent to be good stewards of these programs by following the guidelines as set forth by the CDC, the state, and each venue which hosts our events. For example, the changes we have already made include elimination of the larger events such as the Games Kickoff which is usually held in January at the Hanes Hosiery Recreation Center and the Opening Ceremony hosted by Calvary Baptist Church, normally scheduled for the first Friday in April. Both will exceed the capacities as set forth by state regulations and it is not possible to limit these capacities. 

The games normally take place in April and May. To afford more time to become healthier, our first athletics event is scheduled to take place in May, 30 days later than usual. We are moving forward with plans to host competitions in a manner which allows us to have fewer athletes and artists together at one time. For example, as opposed to having all cornhole players come together at one time, we will have a specific group of ladies or men show up from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and continue to schedule participating groups by ages in an effort to keep capacities low. 

Masks WILL be worn at all times by participants, staff and tournament personnel. Social distancing WILL be practiced at each event. Hand sanitizer WILL be at each “court” for each individual competition, as well as staff and tournament personnel. To keep the number of attendees as low as possible, we are minimizing the use of volunteers normally used as scorers. 

In addition to scheduling different age groups at a variety of times to minimize attendance, we are looking to move events outdoors where possible. We are currently looking for options to move pickleball and swimming outdoors. 

In case the pandemic does not allow for in-person competition, we will offer virtual skills challenge opportunities. This is a process already established last fall by the N.C. Senior Games in conjunction with the local game coordinators. 

As for SilverArts, the downtown Central Library will allow for set-up of our display this year. The take-in for the arts will be scheduled in ten-minute increments, as opposed to having several artists show up at once, to minimize attendance. Our visual, heritage and literary arts will be on display for the entire month of April! Unfortunately, we will not be permitted to have an awards reception this year due to the attendance which it draws. The awards/medals will be distributed when artists return for pick up. The process to pick up the art will also be by appointment similar to the load-in. 

There will not be a “live” performing arts event in 2021. Rather, arrangements are being made to have the performers record their talent in the auditorium of Forsyth Tech’s West Campus. Competitors will be judged based on their recorded performance. If all comes together as planned, our 2021 performing arts event will then be available to watch on the senior page on the weplay.ws website, social media, as well as on a regular schedule available at TV13.

For more details, including deadlines, qualifications and registration forms for the 2021 N.C. Senior Games/SilverArts, visit our website at https://www.cityofws.org/2395/Piedmont-Plus-Senior-Games-and-SilverArt or the Piedmont Plus Senior Games and SilverArts FaceBook page. Please call 336-727-2325 or email chuckv@cityofws.org if you have questions. 

This year’s events will look and feel differently, but the spirit of the games will be strong!

Chuck Vestal is the adult recreation program supervisor for Recreation and Parks.