High Country Senior Games May 17- June 8
Registration deadline May 14

By Sherrie Norris

Each spring, dozens of local senior citizens join thousands from across the state as participants in the annual North Carolina Senior Games.

As part of “the big picture,” the High Country Senior Games, set to kickoff in just a few days, offers area seniors from Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties the opportunity to display their talents and skills in more than 40 areas of competition – from horseshoes, bowling, swimming, walking and running to painting, cross stitch, dancing, singing and everything in between.

The High Country always has qualifiers heading to the state finals in Raleigh each fall. This year, as occurs in two year increments, the winners in the state finals qualify to represent North Carolina at the National Senior Games.

To get the excitement started, local registration has already begun and ends on May 14, marking the 19th year of action, a “golden” opportunity for those ages 55 and above to get out and get active, enjoying life as never before.

A recent survey proves something the organizers and participants have known for a long time - Senior Games encourages adults to stay active socially and physically, giving them reasons to revive past skills, learn new ones and develop long-lasting friendships. High Country Senior Games also hosts year-round activities, such as clinics, aquatic exercise, senior exercise, walking programs and much more to keep participants pulsating with energy and anticipation.

This year’s High Country Senior Games will be held Saturday, May 17 – Sunday, June 8 at various locations throughout the High Country, including Appalachian State University, Boone Bowling Center, Greenway Trail, Appalachian/Brian Estates, Linville Land Harbor, Boone Golf Course, Sugar Mountain, Country Retreat Family Billiards, old Cove Creek School and beyond.

To be eligible for participation in the HCSG, individuals must be 55 by Dec. 31, 2008, own property in, or be a resident of Watauga, Avery, Mitchell or Yancey counties for a minimum of three consecutive months of the year.

All participants who register on or before May 14 will receive a discount and will pay the “Early Bird Registration” fee of $10; for those missing the deadline, the fee is $12. Participants must be registered no less than three days prior to their first scheduled event. Late registration will be accepted only if space is available. The entry fee covers all events except for a facility fee charged for the following: golf -$35, bowling - $6 per event, and the Grand Celebration Banquet - $10 in advance or $12 at the door. No refunds for anything will be given after May 14.

Participants are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets for the banquet, which will be held on Thursday, May 29, at 5:30 p.m. at Watauga High School in Boone and catered by Bandana’s BBQ. It is open to all participants, sponsors, guests, family members and volunteers. Advanced purchases are recommended due to the limited number of tickets available at the door.

All events will be conducted in accordance with the 2008 edition of the N.C. Senior Games Inc. Official Rule Book, which will be available at the games.

Official medals will be presented to the first, second and third place men and women finalists in each category of each sport and in the Silver Arts event (visual, performing, contemporary, heritage and literary). Silver Arts will be exhibited during the games at Appalachian/Brian Estates with winners announced at the banquet, where the performing arts will be showcased.

Local winners in each sport will be eligible to participate in the 2008 N.C. Senior Games to be held this year in Raleigh from Sept. 22-28. It is the competitor’s responsibility to check with the coordinators of local games to determine qualifications for state finals and to receive the entry packet.

Stay tuned to The Mountain Times for updates and reminders about the 2008 High Country Senior Games, sponsored this year by BeActive Appalachian Partnership, Dianne Davant & Associates, Appalachian/Brian Estates, Bayada Nurses Home Care specialists, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital and Total Vein Care PLLC. It is presented by Watauga County Parks and Recreation, Watauga County Project on Aging, Avery Senior Services, Mitchell Senior Services, Yancey Senior Services and Appalachian State University.Additional information and registration packets for High Country Senior Games are currently available at the office of Watauga Parks and Recreation.

For more information, call (828) 264-9511.