Senior Games
The Piedmont Plus Senior Games were held Thursday, April 11 – Friday, April 19 of this year with a SilverArts exhibition at the South Fork Community Center on Friday, April 19 and the Performing Arts gala on Saturday, April 20. Over 500 seniors, age 55 and better, participated in events which included softball, pickleball, bocce, cornhole, shuffleboard, swimming, photography, painting, woodworking, dancing and singing. It was an amazing display of artistic and athletic spirit.
The weather provided challenges on a couple of events, but we were blessed to only have to reschedule two events — golf and shuffleboard. Throughout the entire series, we had epic battles with our 80+ year old ladies in golf who came down to the last hole with Naomi Jones over Alberta Harvey by one stroke. It was equally gratifying to see 90-year-old JE Smith and 98-year-old Bill Edwards battle it out on the shuffleboard courts with JE coming out the winner only to turn around and Bill get his reprieve on the billiards table. There was great action as the Lewisville Masters 55+ men’s softball team edged out Reality Check (from Charlotte) in extra innings. The adage came into play, “it is not if you win or lose, but how you play the game.”
Throughout the weeks of Senior Games, friendships were renewed. There was plenty of good fellowship. There was grace, athleticism and passion for the arts. Truly, there was something for everyone. If you are looking to join us, we are hosting several training opportunities at the various Recreation and Parks facilities. Some of the newer offerings are race walking, bocce (now on Saturdays at Miller Park at 10 a.m.), table tennis for all levels (Wednesday afternoons at Miller Park, at 2 p.m.), horseshoes (Wednesday mornings at Miller Park at 10 a.m.) and our Pensters writing group meets at Old Town Community Center the first Thursday of each month (contact Jessica Garrett at 336-727-2321 for details. There are more offerings for community seniors on our website at www.weplay.ws. Our Recreations Centers constantly have exercise and fellowship opportunities for you. If you have questions, or don’t have access to a computer, please call Chuck at 335-727-2325, or stop by the Black Phillips Smith Government Center at 2301 N. Patterson Avenue.
This year alone, we had 145 first time participants, and we are looking for more next year. For those who participated, be sure to invite a friend or a neighbor. If you have a Seniors Coordinator at your church, we’d love an opportunity to meet them and your church members.
Mark your calendars. The City Recreation Department will be hosting the second annual Fall Senior Games. Save the dates — Monday, Oct. 14 – Friday, Oct. 18. Details will soon be available at all Recreation Departments and online.
