Heads up, Cabarrus: the County’s Active Living and Parks (ALP) Department is calling on new and former participants to register for 2024 Cabarrus Senior Games and SilverArts.
Registration begins Monday, February 5. You can register online at torch.ncseniorgames.org or in person at the County Senior Center in Concord (331 Corban Ave. SE).
The event “gives me an opportunity to get together with others who are my age, want to be active and want to have fun together,” said longtime participant Mary Watts. “I look forward to it every year.” Watts, a 75-year-old Harrisburg resident, has competed in a variety of events through the years; she’s a mainstay at the SilverArts cheerleading competitions.
Discounted early-bird registration (by March 1) is $18. Online registrations receive a $3 discount. There is also a $5 referral discount if you bring a first-time participant to sign up with you.
Following the discounted period, registration is $23 and due by March 20.
Opening ceremonies take place March 26 at 11 a.m. at the new Frank Liske Park Barn. Events begin immediately following the ceremony and run through May 23.
This year's events include pickleball, walking, bowling, cornhole, swimming, track and field events, basketball shooting, tennis, cycling, croquet, football throw, softball and many others.
Disc golf and cornhole doubles and mixed doubles are now North Carolina-sanctioned events, so participants can qualify to compete in the State Finals, according to ALP Project and Events Manager Ian Sweeney.
Pickleball will be held on Saturday, April 20 at the new Frank Liske Park pickleball courts.
The track and field events also have a new venue. The event will be held at Jay M. Robinson High School, which offers a state-of-the-art track and long jump facility.
Residents who enjoy performing and the arts can participate in the SilverArts competition, which includes cheerleading and performing, visual, heritage and literary arts.
The games divide events into five-year age groups by gender, with the exception of mixed doubles and SilverArts. Top medalists go on to represent Cabarrus County in the North Carolina Senior Games State Finals.
“It’s a great experience and a great opportunity to keep your mind and body active,” Watts said. “I’m originally from Maryland, and it amazes me how people from other states aren’t aware of the Senior Games and don’t participate in local senior activities.”
ALP is hosting a Senior Games sports and information clinic on Friday, February 2 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center. The clinic features refreshments, games and a chance to connect with local ambassadors and participants.
To participate in the games, individuals must:
- Be 50 years of age or older on or before December 31 of competition year
- Be a resident of Cabarrus or not compete in the same events in any other local games
- Be a resident of NC (minimum 3 consecutive months annually)
- Live in a County where an event is not offered
- Not compete in the same event in any local games in the same year
For more information on the games email ijsweeney@cabarruscounty.us or call 704-920-3484.