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The Neuse River Senior Games (NRSG) and Silver Arts Competition kicked-off today with the opening ceremony at West New Bern Recreation Center on Pine Tree Drive.
WCTI Channel 12’s News Anchor Annette Newell did a great job welcoming participants, visitors, and sponsors as the Master of Ceremonies for the opening ceremony.
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| Johanne Pryor, Annette Newell, and Laurna Badendieck |
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| Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus |
The Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus sang the National Anthem and colors were presented by New Bern High School’s Navy JROTC. Laurna Badendieck provided the Invocation. Craven County Recreation and Parks Director Eddie Games and New Bern Parks and Recreation Director Thurman Hardison welcomed and thanked participants and attendees.
New Bern Parks and Recreation Community Events Coordinator Nicole Dewar read “Enough is Enough” by longtime participant and Silver Arts Competition Winner, James Sutton.
Nelson McDaniel, Chairman of New Bern’s 300th Committee, was the guest speaker and provided inspirational words to senior participants.
Linwood Johnson, NRSG’s Treasurer, thanked all who sponsored the Senior Games.
Neuse River Senior Games Coordinator Johanne Pryor recognized the 2010 NC State participants and those going to Nationals in 2011. She gave special thanks to the Golden Age Club for providing the hospitality room with all the amenities at the West New Bern Recreation Center. She also thanked the New Bern High School Navy JROTC, Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus, Volunteers, NRSG’s Steering Committee, and all the Sponsors.
Johanne introduced the torch bearers, Mildred Piece (oldest participant at 96 years young) accompanied by her daughter, Frances Barrett, and the youngest participant Jean Herscovici. She also presented the Broadway Babes with the Award of 2011 Performing Arts Gold Medal.
The ceremony closed with the reading of the North Carolina Senior Games Creed:
If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don’t
If you would like to win but you think that you can’t
It’s almost a cinch that you won’t
If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost
For out in the word we find
Success begins with a person’s will
It’s all a state of mind
If you think you’re outclassed, you are
You’ve got to think high to rise
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize
Celebrating the Human Spirit…
The Neuse River Senior Games and Silver Arts completion is a terrific way for those 55 years and better to meet new friends, compete, and have fun! After talking with a few participants, I was impressed with the solidarity they shared! I wish the best to all athletes and silver arts competitors!
To see more video of the Opening Ceremony, please visit New Bern Now’s YouTube Channel. For more information about the North Carolina Senior Games, please visit their website.
Thank you, Joanne, and Everyone who made the Neuse River Senior Games happen! Great job!
Wendy Card