The Neuse River Senior Games provides a chance for our 55 plus community to participate in Athletic Competitions and Silver Arts Exhibitions. Most of the athletic competitors train year round and commit to living a healthier and fit lifestyle. Seniors are a large population in our community and we should emulate their commitment to a better lifestyle.
I had the pleasure to meet some of the excited participants and I would’ve liked to stay for the duration to cheer for each one of them! Some enrolled in the Athletic Competitions, some submitted their artwork to the Silver Arts Exhibition, and others signed up for both categories!
Wes Goforth of WCTI Channel 12 did a terrific job as Emcee for the Opening Ceremony. West Craven JROTC Color Guard were very professional presenting colors and the Southern Gentlemen sang a remarkable rendition of the National Anthem.
Alderman (1st Ward) Sabrina Bengel provided a motivational message as the Keynote Speaker. Thurman Hardison, Director of New Bern Parks & Recreation and Jan Parker, Director of Craven County Recreation & Parks, along with Jerry Eubanks and Rudolph Becton, Ambassadors for the Senior Games and Johanne Pryor, Steering Committee Coordinator, thanked the participants and staff for their involvement in this special community event. Sponsors and volunteers were recognized along with the Golden Age Club for maintaining the hospitality room in the New Bern Recreation Center.
The 2009 North Carolina State participants and winners were recognized. At least 10 individuals from the Neuse River Games competed in the 2009 National Senior Games in San Francisco. This year’s winners will be eligible to participate in the 2011 National Games in Houston.
Evelyn Harrison sang “My Life is in Your Hands”, winning her a Silver Medal. The Broadway Babes performed “Razzle Dazzle” and “Chicago” and received Gold Medals for their performance.
The Senior Games Torch was led by the youngest and oldest competitors (Jean Herscovici, Juanita Willard, Irma McQuade. They were followed by 265 participants in the Athletic Competitions and Silver Arts Exhibition from six counties (Craven, Duplin, Green, Jones, Lenoir, and Pamlico).
The New Bern Recreation Center gym bleachers were filled with family, friends, volunteers, and sponsors there to cheer for the participants.
The ceremony was followed by a catered lunch and the games resumed afterwards.
It was nice to see so many smiling faces eager to win some medals! Good luck to every one of these seniors who have the courage and drive to compete in these special events!
I hope I have the enthusiasm and will to succeed when I reach the Golden Years!
To see pictures from the Opening Ceremony, visit New Bern Now’s Photo Gallery
Wendy Card