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Davie County Senior Games and SilverArts kicked off the 30th anniversary celebration and opening ceremonies on Tuesday, March 21, at the RISE Indoor Sports Complex in Bermuda Run.

This celebration kicked off with Michelle Ellis, Senior Services assistant director, sharing about Senior Games and kicking off the first six of 30 reasons people participate in Senior Games and SilverArts.

Pompoms and hand clappers were shared with the crowd, and cheers were shared each time a reason was announced.

Next, Aaron Thies from the Cooleemee led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Patrick Tucker from Humana shared sponsor remarks.

Mocksville Mayor Will Marklin shared another six reasons why participants enjoy Senior Games.

Following Marklin was Brad Allen, president and executive director of N.C. Senior Games, who spoke about the importance of health and wellness for seniors, how North Carolina is the pearl of a state, and how fortunate Davie County is to have such a strong Senior Games program for the past 30 years.

Luke Harris from the Davie Family YMCA shared another six reasons why participants love Senior Games, followed with remarks about SilverArts and six more reasons shared by Senior Games Co-Coordinator and SilverArts Coordinator, Carrie Miller.

The overview of the day was shared by the RISE staff member, Kevin, followed by Bermuda Run Mayor Rick Cross, sharing the final six reasons why participants love Senior Games.

Brad Allen came back to the microphone and officially declared the 2023 Senior Games open and shared that there is no higher honor than to be asked to be the official torch bearer at a local games ceremony.

This year, the torch was lit by Dr. George Kimberly and his daughter, Bess Kimberly, who have enjoyed playing the games together the past two years.

Senior Games and SilverArts has three more pairs of parents and children registered this year – Sue Allen and her son Rex, Bud Stroud and his daughter Sandy, and Jo Robinson and her son, Shawn.

“This is a special time for families to enjoy the Spirit of Senior Games together and support each other athletically,” Carrie Miller said.

Following the SilverStriders Fun Walk, participants split off into four stations where they participated in several competitions including basketball shoot, football throw, softball throw, and spincasting. A pizza and salad lunch was served and an awards ceremony was held after everyone was finished.

And the winners are …

• Basketball Shooting: (55-59) first – Sandy Yamane, John Bullins, second – Sharon McPherson, David Yamane, third – Mary Lynn Bullins; (60-64) first – Bess Kimberly, Rex Allen, second – Nancy Schlarp; (65-69) first – Tami Walker, Garry Steele, second – Carolyn Sloan, Robbie Jackson, third – Paula Furches, Rick Wagner; (70-74) first – Alice Monk, Ronnie Robinson, second – Angela Bailey, third – Karen Umberger; (75-79) first – Charli Wilcox, Charles Mashburn, second – Barbara Chapman, Stewart Harry, third – Edna Hendrix, Johnnie Stallings; (80-84) first – Vickie Frye, Gene Hinsdale, second – Alice Barnette, third – Doris Hinsdale; (85-89) first – Sue Allen; (90-94) first – George Kimberly; (95-99) first – Nancy Tutterow.

• Football Throw: (55-59) first – Sandy Yamane, John Bullins, second – Mary Lynn Bullins, David Yamane, third – Sharon McPherson;  (60-64)  first – Nancy Schlarp, Rex Allen, second – Melinda Holland; (65-69) first – Carolyn Sloan, Garry Steele, second – Tami Walker, Robbie Jackson, third – Gary Dailey; (70-74) first – Karen Umberger, Ronnie Robinson, second – Alice Monk, third – Caldonia Evans; (75-79) first – Barbara Chapman, Johnnie Stallings, second – Charli Wilcox, Charles Mashburn, third – Stewart Harry; (80-84) first – Alice Barnette, Mike Barnette, second – Sue Couch, Gene Hinsdale, third – Judy Collette; (85-89) first – Sue Allen, Bud Stroud; (90-94) first – George Kimberly.

• Softball Throw: (55-59) first – Sandy Yamane, Davie Yamane, second – Mary Lynn Bullins, John Bullins, third – Sharon McPherson; (60-64) first – Melinda Holland; (65-69) first – Tami Walker, Robbie Jackson, second – Carolyn Sloan, Garry Steele; (70-74) first – Alice Monk, Ronnie Robinson, second – Karen Umberger, Ray Evans, third – Angela Bailey; (75-79) first – Charli Wilcox, Stewart Harry, second – Barbara Chapman, Charles Mashburn, third – Pat Gregory, Johnnie Stallings; (80-84) first – Alice Barnette, Mike Barnette, second – Sue Couch, Henry Hagner, third – Judy Collette; (85-89) first – Sue Allen, Bud Stroud; (90-94) first – George Kimberly; (95-99) first – Nancy Tutterow.

• Spincasting: (55-59) first – Mary Lynn Bullins, John Bullins; (60-64) first – Melinda Holland; (65-69) first – Tami Walker, second – Carolyn Sloan; (70-74)  first – Roni Barney, Ronnie Robinson, second – Angela Bailey, third – Karen Umberger;  (75-79) first – Barbara Chapman, Charles Mashburn, second – Pat Gregory, Johnnie Stallings; (80-84) first – Sue Couch, second – Alice Barnette, third – Judy Collette; (95-99) first – Nancy Tutterow.

Davie County Senior Games and SilverArts is a competition open to residents of Davie County aged 50 or better. Late registrations are still welcome. Contact Senior Services at 336-753-6230.