Contributed by Lakendra Dixon, BSW, UCPCOG – Area Agency on Aging
with edits by Kay Whatley, Editor
The 33rd annual Down East Senior Games (DESG) are scheduled for May 2-24, 2016. Anyone 50 years or older and living in North Carolina’s Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton and Wilson counties, are invited to participate in the DESG.
The event categories in which seniors may choose to compete are sports, literary arts, performing arts, visual arts, and heritage arts.
Sports include: Badminton, Basketball, Billiards, Bocce, Cornhole, Croquet, Cycling, Discus Throw, Football Throw, Golf, Horseshoes, Racewalking, Running Long Jump, Shot Put, Shuffleboard, Softball Throw, Spin Casting, Standing Long Jump, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, and Track Events.
Literary Arts include: Essays, Short Stories, Life Experiences, and Poetry.
Performing Arts include: Cheerleading, Comedy/Drama, Dance, Instrumental, Vocal, and Line Dance.
Visual Arts include: Acrylics, Oil, Drawing, Mixed Media, Photography, Sculpture, and Watercolor.
Heritage Arts include: Basketweaving, China Painting, Crocheting/Knitting, Rugs, Jewelry, Needlework, Quilting, Stained Glass, Tole/Decorative Painting, Tatting/Needlelace, Pottery, Weaving, Woodcarving, and Woodworking.
Individuals will compete for awards in their own sex and age category within five year increments: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95-99, and 100+. Registrants should expect to provide proof of age to ensure appropriate category, which may change based on birth date.
Applications are available now at local Senior Centers or by calling 252.972.1561. The entry deadline is April 1, 2016. Early Bird Entry provides discounts on registration, and must be received by the March 15, 2016, early-bird deadline. Registration fees range from $10 to $15 by event and date registered. The DESG application outlines fees and deadlines, along with optional meal fees and special fees like golf greens fees or bowling shoes.
For More Information on Down East Senior Games, contact Morgan Whiteurst at 252.641.4263 or Alex Langley at 252.972.1152. In addition to the Call for Entrants above, the DESG organizers are seeking volunteers. Call as soon as possible to volunteer for yourself or a group.
The Down East Senior Games’ Facebook page for prior years includes some photos of local seniors participating or receiving awards.
