With our region’s popularity as a retirement destination, you’ll find plenty of active seniors hiking our mountain trails and strolling the Murphy, NC River Walk with their friends. Others engage their creative spirits with activities such as quilting, painting, or writing.
The annual Cherokee/Clay County Senior Games and SilverArts competition celebrates our older residents’ athletic and artistic accomplishments, and encourages them to keep their bodies, minds, and spirits active. The 2017 Senior Games/SilverArts events will be held from April 29 through May 20, and will take place at several Cherokee and Clay County venues.
SENIOR GAMES/SILVER ARTS THRIVE THROUGHOUT NORTH CAROLINA
When our Senior Games and SilverArts participants compete in their individual events, they’ll have plenty of company statewide. From February through June, you can attend 53 annual Senior Games competitions throughout North Carolina.
These popular events are the brainchild of sponsoring organization North Carolina Senior Games, Inc., launched in 1983 to create an integrated health promotion program for adults 50 years and older. Participants enjoy a sport or art form, culminating in an annual regional competition that’s supported by family, volunteers, and spectators.
ENJOY THIS LOCAL SENIOR GAMES EVENT OVERVIEW
This year, our Cherokee/Clay County Senior Games/SilverArts events kicked off on April 24, with some spirited swimming competition at the Hiwassee Valley Pool & Wellness Center in Murphy. The action ramps up on Saturday, April 29, with Tri-County Community College in Peachtree hosting several events at the college’s gym. At 9:00 a.m., come view several throwing events, plus a lively bocce ball practice session. After the Opening Ceremony at 11:00 a.m., stay for the Silver Sneakers Fun Walk and several men’s and women’s cycling events.
Week of May 1: Head to nearby Hayesville for several pickleball matches at the Hayesville Parks and Recreation Department. On Friday, May 5, watch the racquetball competition at the Peachtree Athletic & Rehabilitation Center (PARC). On Saturday, May 6, the action moves to Murphy High School for several track & field events.
Week of May 8: Visit Murphy’s Konehete Park for tennis and bocce ball, Blairsville’s Galaxy Lanes for bowling, and Chatuge Shores Golf Course for the golf matches. On Saturday, May 13, return to Murphy High School for more track events, followed by bocce ball doubles matches at Konehete Park.
Week of May 15: The Senior Games’ last week begins on May 15 at the Andrews Senior Center, where table tennis, horseshoes, and shuffleboard enthusiasts show off their skills. On May 17, visit Murphy’s Rock Gym for the corn toss competition. Finally, the Cherokee/Clay County 2017 Senior Games conclude on May 20 with a 5K race that begins at the Hiwassee Valley Pool & Wellness Center. That evening, participants will enjoy the Closing Ceremony and Follies at Tri-County Community College.
Our region’s winners will face off against other senior athletes at the statewide Senior Games in Raleigh in September 2017. Senior Games athletes will also march in the Murphy, Andrews, and Hayesville Christmas Parades in December.
VIEW THE SILVER ARTS SHOWCASE AT MURPHY’S ROCK GYM
Seniors who enjoy writing fiction, poetry, life experiences, and essays can find an outlet for their talents in the region’s SilverArts competition. SilverArts also features a diverse selection of heritage arts. Residents who create jewelry, stained glass, or pottery are welcome to enter their work. Basket weavers, quilters, weavers, woodcarvers, and woodworkers (plus other arts) will also find a warm reception.
The Rock Gym in Murphy will showcase all literary works and artwork. On Monday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to noon, writers and artists can submit their entries for evaluation. On Tuesday, May 9 during the same time period, judges will review everyone’s work. The SilverArts exhibition will open to the public on May 9 at 1:30 p.m., and will remain open through May 11. Participants must pick up their entries on Friday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. All SilverArts participants are welcome to join the Closing Ceremony and Follies, set for May 20 at Tri-County Community College.
DISCOVER THE CHEROKEE/CLAY COUNTY SENIOR GAMES/SILVER ARTS
If you’re 50 years old or better, and have been a Cherokee or Clay County resident for at least three (3) consecutive months, you’re invited to join other Senior Games/Silver Arts participants for this year’s events. Pick up application forms at the Cherokee or Clay County Senior Center. Or, register in person at the Senior Center in Murphy, NC. Then go out and enjoy yourself.
The Senior Games and SilverArts Competition is just one reason retirees love our area. If you’re ready to live where active living thrives, connect with our trusted murphy nc real estate agents today.
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