Game On, Seniors!

Game On! Seniors Compete, Connect and Celebrate at Hayden.

The gymnasium at Hayden Village Center was buzzing with energy on September 30 as older adults from across the Franklin area gathered for the second annual Senior Games.

The day brought together several local senior groups for friendly competition, fellowship, and plenty of laughter. Participants tested their skills at tic-tac-toe, checkers, chair volleyball, cornhole, and spades. This year also introduced a new event: axe-throwing.

For Carlene Kelly of Nike Park in Carrollton, the axe-throwing turned out to be a surprise favorite. After scoring 20 points, she declared,
“I amazed myself.”
She also took part in chair volleyball. Her team didn’t win, but that hardly mattered.

The Senior Games are about much more than medals. “It’s something to get up for,” Carlene said.

That sense of connection could be felt throughout the gym. Renee Shivers, also from Nike Park, described the Games as a chance to branch out beyond her regular group.

“This is cool. It’s a chance to meet people from other groups,” she said. “Everyone can participate.”

Deborah Price has found a strong sense of community at Nike Park, where she says participants have “grown another family.” They encourage one another to stay active and engaged, something Deborah believes becomes even more important with age.

“If you sit at home, you lose it,” she said.

One of the day’s standout competitors was 94-year-old Rick Powell, who took home a first-place medal in spades.

“It makes me feel young again,” he said.

Members of XYZ Ministry at First Baptist Church in Franklin joined the competition as well. Vietnam veteran Larry Mathews, who spent 18 years in the military and later worked in law enforcement, earned second place in spades. Now active in his church as an usher, head of security, and choir member, he said what he enjoyed most about the Senior Games was the fellowship.

William and Nelda Bellamy returned for their second year. William competed in checkers, while Nelda captured first place in tic-tac-toe. Asked the secret to her winning performance, Nelda had a simple answer: “Stay focused!” William looked on proudly as his wife received her medal, chiming in, “And she’s a good cook, too!”

Winners and runners-up received medals, but everyone had plenty to enjoy. In addition to the competition, participants shared Subway lunches, received goodie bags, and spent time catching up with old friends and making new ones.

Events like the Senior Games are one of the many ways Senior Services helps older adults stay healthy, active, and connected to their communities. For one lively day at Hayden Village Center, that looked like balloon volleyballs flying, cards being dealt, axes hitting targets, and a gym full of seniors cheering one another on.