South Winston Salem News

Davie County Senior Games began in 1993 through the Town of Mocksville Recreation Department and has been going strong ever since. This year, 2023, brings the 30th Season of Davie County Senior Games and SilverArts celebration to Davie County. Senior Games and SilverArts is a creative outlet and competition for adults 50 and better to become involved in the community, share a camaraderie with others, and to just have fun. 

This year, Davie County Senior Services is proud to host the upcoming 30th season of the Davie County Senior Games where participants aged 50 or better all across the county can participate in the sport or art that interests them. There is no limit to how many activities in which you may participate. The $15 registration fee includes two meals, most events, and a t-shirt.

Senior Services will be holding a Senior Games Kickoff event on Friday, February 17, at 1:00 pm in the Brock Gym, so be sure to call 336-753-6230 to register and make plans to stop by and pick up your registration form. There has been a sponsor this year for Senior Games that will pay for the first 10 people that register in the age group of 50-59, so please tell your friends, neighbors, and colleagues because Davie County Senior Games and SilverArts is one of the best places to be.

Davie County Senior Games and SilverArts has ambassadors that help to promote the games.  Ambassadors include: Alice Barnette, Bud Stroud, Roni Barney, Mary Hall, Lois Green, Peggy Evans, Ted Freshwater, Vickie Frye, Sandi Winston, and John Bullins. This group meets several times throughout the year to finalize plans and make sure that Davie County Senior Games and SilverArts are the best they can be each and every year.

This year, Senior Services has interviewed four of the ambassadors: Alice Barnette, Roni Barney, Peggy Evans, and Bud Stroud, on Senior Games and SilverArts and why you should join in the fun!

          What year did you begin playing Senior Games? 

Barnette: 1994 or 1995

Barney: At least 15 years ago! I learned about Senior Games through the SilverStriker’s Bowling League and played the next season and never quit.

Evans: At least 15 or more years ago!

Stroud: 2005

          Why did you begin playing Senior Games? 

Barnette: Basketball! They put together a basketball team!

Barney: To give me something to do, to meet people, and to try something new!

Evans: I was interested in all of the games and the social aspect of it. I had recently retired and stopped playing softball and loved the exercise aspect of Senior Games.

Stroud: Dr. Kimberly started talking about it at the Bowling League events, and I started the next spring.

          What is your favorite Senior Games event? 

Barnette: ALL of them! Even trying the running events.

Barney: Shuffleboard! And, I didn’t even play this until Senior Games!

Evans: Cornhole!!

Stroud: When I first started, I really enjoyed bowling and horseshoes, but now I like them all! I didn’t even know how to play a lot of the different games until Senior Games!

          What is your favorite Senior Games memory? 

Barnette: The first year the basketball team won Silver at the North Carolina State Finals and realized they were able to go to the National Senior Games. That was the best time I’ve ever had at a Nationals event.

Barney: Falling down bowling and rolling a strike…. Right after I told everyone they needed to be careful and watch out for the slick floors! It was hilarious!

Evans: I have several memories, first being the first time I finally won a gold medal at the state finals. Second, I love when we’ve been to Clayton and enjoyed sharing food and meeting new people. Lastly, the most hilarious memory was when Roni Barney and I went to the North Carolina State Finals, and we were bowling with ladies from another county. One lady had gone to her attic to get her bowling shoes, and when she went to bowl, her shoe fell apart, and she lost her shoe! Her shoes had dry-rotted! It was so much fun.

Stroud: My first year participating in the State Finals and meeting people from across the state and creating friendships, so then after that, every year feels like a homecoming!

          What would you tell someone that is hesitant about joining Senior Games? 

Barnette: If you’ll just come out and participate, you might catch the bug and find out that you love it!

Barney: It’s not about competition – it’s about having fun!

Evans: I tell them how much fun it is and that they will have fun, too. Most people really enjoy it. Just be optimistic about it!

Stroud: You don’t have to compete with people younger than you. You just compete against people in your own age group!

          Is Senior Games more about the competition or camaraderie? 

Barnette: Camaraderie! I love being with people.

Barney: Camaraderie! But, it doesn’t hurt to win.

Evans: Camaraderie! I really like to compete, but it really is about the people I’m with.

Stroud: Camaraderie! There are a few people out there that are strictly for medals, but the majority play for the friendships along the way.

          Why are Senior Games important to you? 

Barnette: To be around people that aren’t complaining because if you’re participating in Senior Games, you are laughing, having fun, and enjoying!

Barney: I loved sports as a child, but was never able to compete in sports due to transportation issues. So, now this is my opportunity to live my second childhood!

Evans: My husband, Steve, and I participate in Senior Games together. It is really special that he comes with me, and we both really enjoy it!

Stroud: I’m an extrovert and a people person. I really enjoy getting together and enjoying the fellowship.

         What is your advice to someone that says they can’t do it because they’re too old? 

Barnette: Age is just a figure of speech or something in your mind. You don’t know until you try… just like a baby learning to walk!

Barney: Look at Mrs. Nancy Tutterow! She’s 98 and having her best bowling season.

Evans: You’re never too old to try these sports! None are really that strenuous. You’re really never too old, just look at Mrs. Nancy!

Stroud: You don’t get too old! I threw the softball 115 feet and earned 2nd place that year. I went back ten years later and threw the softball 90 feet and still earned 2nd place.

          What is your advice to someone that has recently turned 50 and can play for the first time? 

Barnette: Do it if your work schedule allows you to participate! Take half days if you can!

Barney: I started in my 50s and was called a baby Senior Games participant. This will be the only time you get to be called a “baby” again. But on a serious note, if your schedule allows it, why not!

Evans: Come out and join us and see if you like it! Just try it!!

Stroud: If any way possible, get out there and do it! It will keep you younger. It’s a really good time, and you will enjoy it!

Davie County Senior Services is aiming for another record-high 30th year Senior Games and SilverArts season, so please do not hesitate to reach out for more information. Senior Services may be contacted by calling 336-753-6230 or stopping by either the Senior Services Main Campus at 278 Meroney Street, Mocksville or the Brock Campus at 644 N. Main Street, Mocksville.

Original source can be found here.