ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Department of Social Services is seeking sponsors for this year’s Senior Games.
This year’s games are scheduled for May 6-17 and this will be the 34th year for the program.
“Through this program, we strive to keep our seniors active, healthy, and confident in maintaining their daily activities,” reads a sponsorship solicitation letter sent by co-coordinators Karen Steen and Theressa Smith.
The games are open to Richmond County residents 50 or older and registration opens March 25.
“We’re really trying to get the younger senior adults to participate,” Smith told the RO on March 8, adding that there are a lot of sports in which the 50-60 age group could take part.
One timing strategy being used this year to garner more participation is scheduling some events in the evening, for those who may still be working.
Smith said there will be cornhole competitions both during the day and in the evening. There will also be a 5k and 10k race at Hinson Lake on a Saturday.
If that scheduling works this year, Smith said they may be able to add more evening events next year.
The games will be spread out across the county, with board games at the Ellerbe Senior Center, other events at the other senior centers, swimming at FirstHealth and track and field events at Richmond Senior High School.
Other competitive events include golf, bowling, pickleball and bocce. The Silver Arts component includes competition in literary, visual and performing arts.
Smith said the events for this year are still being finalized.
While the games are sponsored in part by the N.C. Division of Aging Services, coordinators say the county has been able to “grow these games every year to include more participants and more areas of competition” with local sponsorships.
“Without these contributions the Senior Games would not be available,” Steen and Smith said.
Sponsorship levels range from $50 to $800 or more. Those donating $150 or more will be included on event T-shirts.
More information is available on the Facebook page Senior Games of Richmond County.
