Senior Games serves up friendly competition with a heaping side of camaraderie

Mar. 4—Whether it's been a couple years since teeing off on the green, or a couple decades since hitting the courts, it's not too late to get back in the swing of your favorite sport — or try your hand at a new one.

The annual Haywood County Senior Games proves that just because you're at a golden age doesn't mean you can't become a gold medalist.

From croquet to cornhole, from poker to pickleball, from swimming to cycling — there are over 30 events for seniors ages 50 plus to participate in from mid-April to mid-May. Senior Games is coordinated by Haywood County Recreation and sanctioned through NC Senior Games, with winners at the local level advancing to state and even national.

Senior games isn't just for those who were athletes in their prime. For most participants, it's just a way to have fun and meet new people.

"The Senior Games are bringing together people who have found this area. They want to be active, and we're finding fellowship doing things we'd like to do," said Phyllis Woollen. "And this is giving you people with like interests that want to also be active."

Woollen joined the games two years ago when she was 66 and has since enjoyed the opportunity to engage with other active seniors in the community — and revisit games she played growing up.

"It has inspired me to play these games that we all played as kids and gave up. Now, as an adult, I'm getting my family together and setting up croquet in the backyard or bocce ball and saying 'Come on! I just did this with the Senior Games. We need to play,'" she said.

Dan Linker is a long time contender in the Senior Games, having participated for two decades.

He was 55 his first year and recovering from rotator cuff surgery. That didn't stop him from stepping up to the plate as a shot putter — even winning the state championship that first year. It's been an annual staple in his life ever since, with more state wins under his belt.

Linker credits Senior Games with helping him get fit.

"I was almost 50 pounds heavier than I am now. I was driving a lot and eating the wrong foods. I basically had no fitness program at all that could help me do anything about that. When I got around people who were more fit, who had a focus, I was inspired by that." said Linker, who became a personal fitness trainer at Haywood Regional Fitness Center.

Friendly competition

To anyone who worries they aren't good enough or fit enough, hogwash, says Woollen. It's all about having fun.

"There are certain games that are competitive. But croquet? I mean, who plays croquet?," she said. "It's not like you're playing against somebody who knows how to play. You're playing with people who are out here just to have a good time."

However, some games — like cornhole or pickleball — can have a competitive air. Woollen used to play pickleball, but now stays clear of the fierce competition.

One of her buddies, Wes Queen, is a pickleball diehard though.

"I have played with Wes before, when we were both beginners. There's no way I could play against him now," Woollen said.

Queen brought home a bronze medal from the state Senior Games last year to add to his arsenal of local medals. He joked that he had to relocate where he was hanging his medal collection, which had grown too heavy.

"I was kidding the guys the other day about how many I have. I used to hang them on a framed picture in my room. I went in one day, and it was hanging at a 45-degree angle," Queen quipped.

Queen found his way to the Senior Games three years ago when he was 66.

"A lot of us Senior Gamers are retired, and it gives us a good outlet to do something athletic, keep moving, try to keep ourselves young — younger, if you will," Queen said.

And even though pickleball is his favorite, he's given a few other games the good ol' college try.

"One year I actually did multiple sports. I used to be an avid bicyclist, so I did the time trial on the bicycle. I even tried the 50 yard dash — almost fell on my face at the finish line," he recalled.

But Queen appreciated both his trials and triumphs, advocating for anyone considering coming to the games.

"Don't be shy. Don't be bashful. Come out and get some exercise, meet some friendly people and have a good time. It's something you can probably do for many years," Queen said.

Everlasting memories

While the games themselves are great, the friendships forged over the years keep participants coming back — like an annual reunion of sorts.

"My favorite part is the people," Linker said. "They are people aging gracefully and that's what I enjoy seeing the most — seeing people make the most out of all the difficulties they have and coming up with something that is progressive. It's not just getting older and complaining about it, but progressively trying to find a way to make the most of each day."

Woollen shared the same sentiment, noting that the games have spurred friendships.

"We've come together more after having participated in the Senior Games together," Woollen said. "I have got a group of people actually coming to my house next week to practice for the ping pong tournament."

While Haywood County recreation director Elli Flagg is brand new on the job, she's no stranger to the importance of Senior Games. Her grandpa was a star at both discus and shotput.

"While he struggled with MS, he gathered his strength and went out one year to do what he loved after so many years without the opportunity. So many people pursue a sport or a hobby for years and then move or graduate and cannot seem to find people to practice with or any reason to do it at all," Flagg said. "The senior games give people an opportunity to get off their feet or get their brains active all throughout the year to practice."

She's excited to be apart of the annual tradition this year. She wagers most of the people she's met could put her, a 25-year-old rugby player, to shame with the skills they've honed.

"They are a wonderful group of people with incredible stories and experiences that have brought them to this program, from champions in sports to champions in helping others succeed," Flagg said. "The more folks I talk to who compete in the Senior Games, the more amazed I am at the history I get to be a witness to."

How to join Senior Games

The Haywood County Senior Games are an annual, month-long series of friendly competitions in everything from mini-golf and Mah Jong to badminton and bowling. There's even games like poker, bridge and chess, plus a Silver Arts division for those with a crafty, artistic side.

Anyone age 50 or better can partake in Senior Games. Registration runs from March 13-27. It costs only $15 to register, which covers as many events as you want to do and a Senior Games T-shirt.

Register online at torch.ncseniorgames.org. Paper registration is available by contacting 828-452-6789 or recreationandparks@haywoodcountync.gov.

An opening ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Folkmoot and the Old Hazelwood Gym. Venues for the Senior Games encompass public park settings across the county, including Lake Junaluska, Waynesville, Canton and Maggie Valley.

What's on the docket

—Senior Games events include: archery, badminton, basketball shooting, billiards, bocce ball, bowling, bridge, chess, cornhole, croquet, cycling, disc golf, football throw, fun walk, golf, hearts, horseshoes, Mah Jong, mini golf, pickleball, poker, shuffleboard, softball throw, swimming, table tennis, track and field events (including long jump, discus and shot put), a 5K and 10K.

—Silver Arts categories include: photography, drawing, oil, pastel, mixed media, acrylic, watercolor, sculpting, basketry, crochet, knitting, jewelry, needlework, pottery, quilting, stained glass, weaving, woodcarving, woodworking, literary (essay, poem, short Stories, life experiences) and performing arts (acting, dance, vocal, instrument, and line dancing.