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Pope hosts 22nd Mid-Carolina Senior Games

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Senior citizens from across the region came out to Pope's fitness center April 10 to play in the 22nd Annual Mid-Carolina Senior Games
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The purpose of these games is to promote a healthy lifestyle for senior citizens and it attracts members from Cumberland, Harnett and Sampson Counties. 

Senior citizens from these counties competed in several events for a chance to medal in the bronze, silver or gold categories. 

Winners in these respective categories received the chance to then compete at the state-level competition. 

Additionally, those individuals who win at the state level are selected to compete at the national level. 

The way the age categories are set up give participants like Tim Newton, an 82 year old Fayetteville resident, an added incentive to compete year after year. 

"The great thing about the senior games is the different age brackets you are placed in; this way you never have to compete with someone more than four years older than you," Mr. Newton said. 

The age brackets are 55 through 59; 60 through 64; and continue in that same pattern. This pattern is a way to even the playing field and make it fair to the competing members.
By listening to the conversations of these competing members, it is plain to see they enjoy the opportunity to get out, get active and enjoy themselves. 

Mr. Newton joked that one of the reasons he enjoys coming out is to give people the rare privilege of seeing someone who is not only an exceptional athlete (like himself ) but handsome too. 

Later, his friend who was warming up with him at the football toss game privately confirmed Mr. Newton's former athletic prowess by stating, "You should have seen him in his younger days, he really was quite an athlete." 

Throughout the day, these senior citizens could be seen waiting in line for their chance to play several of the games set up along the track and field. 

Martha Avery, 90 years old from Erwin, has been coming to these games for 18 years now. She said she was afraid she would not be able to make it this year due to her son having some serious medical problems. However, she talked it over with her son and his wife and they encouraged her to attend in spite of the difficulties. 

"I am so glad I decided to come," Ms. Avery said. "I have always enjoyed it, and I feel like it has given me strength for the troubles that lay ahead." 

Charles Ryals, from Fayetteville, is fairly new to the annual games when compared with some of his counterparts, and this year marks his fourth year in attendance. 

While he was walking from the spin casting to the shot put competition, one of his friends met up with him and began asking him how he did in the football toss. 

After his friend left, Mr. Ryals remarked that since he has been attending these games, he and a group of friends he met here, have started a bit of a spirited competition.
He expressed his enjoyment for the games and said he has even tried to recruit some of his friends and neighbors back home to attend. 

"It keeps me alert and provides me with good exercise," Mr. Ryals said. "I really like the friendships you make when you see the same people year after year. You really do become like a family." 

One of the participants, Novella Hall, from Autryville, has been attending since 1997. She was wearing a Hoops 2007 basketball championship sweatshirt. She and her teammates, who were also in attendance, practiced all last summer for the over 75 age category, three on three basketball competition. Their efforts were rewarded when they took home the National championship last year. Ms. Novella said she loves the senior games because it gives her a chance to meet other individuals who share the same interests. 

"Too many seniors think they can't do it, but it provides them fun, fitness, family and fellowship," Ms. Novella said.