HAMLET - The Senior Games of Richmond County opening ceremony was held Monday evening, April 16 at Richmond Community College.
Even though the festivities were moved inside due to the weather, the hundreds of people in attendance did not go away hungry or sad. The very popular area DJ Jimmy Reese entertained the crowd with “music we listened to in our younger years,” as one athlete stated.
Hal Shuler, the Associate Vice-President of Development for RCC, welcomed the attendees to the ceremony. Athletes Jerry Nelson, Catherine Bethea, Vinnie Stroman, and Diane Deese proudly carried in a banner of green and gold, often recognized as the colors of Richmond County. Senior Games Director Terry Mercer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. She shared that there are 207 participants in this year’s Richmond County Senior Games, including the athletes and the Silver Arts.
A very special guest that traveled from Lumberton was Betty Rising, the Senior Games of N.C. Treasurer. She informed the group that North Carolina has approximately 60,000 participants in the Senior Games, including all 100 counties and 53 local games. This is the largest group participating in the United States. In her closing statement, Ms. Rising urged the athletes to “Enjoy yourselves, the fun, the fitness, the fellowship, and the family. Have a good time and take home those medals!”
RCC Nursing Student Peyton Tucker spoke briefly to the crowd about the importance of competition, diligence, and strength, and the drive to try harder when you think you cannot. Sounding much like an aspiring coach talking with her team before a playoff game, Peyton’s closing remarks were “Get out there and kick some butt!”
Seaboard Station Restaurant of Hamlet catered the event with hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw, potato chips, cookies, lemonade, and sweet tea. The line was long, but there were plenty of smiles as the seniors and guests enjoyed their meal.
In addition to the music provided by DJ Jimmy Reese, entertainment was also provided by a group of line dancers known as Journey and the Silver Liners. These talented dancers can be seen regularly practicing at the Hamlet Senior Center, as well as performing throughout the Richmond County area. They are led by instructor Mary Baker and assistant Luvenia Williams.
Probably the highlight of the evening was the Delusional Divas – ladies that were dressed as if they were getting ready for bed in their slippers, housecoats, and rollers, but using their walkers to dance to Beyonce’s well-known song “If You Liked It…..” Both of these groups will be performing again on the evening of April 23 at the Cole Auditorium during the Performing Arts part of the competition.
Still dressed in her housecoat from her Diva performance, SGRC Coordinator Pete Wheeler led the athletes in the Recitation of the Senior Games Spirit. It reads as follows:
I am pride in one’s community
And its representation throughout the State;
I am a smile or a hug
From a new found friend.
I am the desire that inspires all that
Are involved to give their very best;
I am thankfulness for the gifts
Of health and wellness that are mine.
I am the love and support that touches
People of all ages;
I am the knowledge that every individual
Is one of God’s special creations.
I am the thread that unites each one of
Us into one;
For this night and all years to come;
I am the Spirit of the Senior Games.
Reverend Allison Farrah of The First Baptist Church of Hamlet closed out the evening with a prayer for the Senior Games of Richmond County and its numerous participants.
Editor's note: This article was contributed by Pam Simmons, the newest addition to the talented team of writers at the Richmond Observer.
