Mid Carolina Senior Games that are held in Fayetteville

“I started running when they had no running shoes for ladies,” says Sue Langey, Avid Runner and participant in the coming mid-carolina senior games.
Laney, who is 74 years old, talks quickly and excited about the upcoming event and her preparation time on the big day. The road that she and many other female athletes have climbed to get where they are today and to compete as they do is nothing to take a matter of course. She and her co -hardlife, she notices, appreciate every step. Laney says that she always walked before the fun of the university for many years, but initially did not know that there were things like races.
“My children started running and wanted to do races, so I did,” she says. “Then I was addicted.”
The senior games in the mid-carolina have been a long-term tradition, but according to the health promotions and senior games coordinator Lashonda Gough, participation during the pandemic fell. Gough has been rebuilt the event since the acquisition in 2021-2022. Before that she says there were many public members. Now, just a few years later, Gough hopes to have around 400 participants. Last year there were 350 participants and has since increased every year.
The event has more than a month more than 25 sports, open to everyone aged 50 and older or, as Gough says, 50 years old or better.
Gough recalls someone to not let the participants or their athletic skills underestimate. Langey, for example, is still training and runs five to six days a week.
Our oldest participant was 95, she says. We have some dedicated seniors and they are healthier than I sometimes. They are competitive. It's a good time. I think it's great.
The games start on April 9 and last until 15 May. Opening ceremonies will be held on April 9 at 9 am in Monarch Stadium at the University Campus methodist and are free and open to everyone. Everything is split per age group, including a group for those who are 100 years or more. The events include pickleball, track and field, table tennis, basketball, softball, mini golf, bowling, bicycles and much more.
We recently added Disc Golf this year, says Gough. I knew nothing about disc golf until we added it.
However, her favorite is mini golf.
The event will also contain a talent show in Silver Arts. These are the non-athletic events that include visual arts, literary art and performances. All artists will show artworks. This part of the event takes place on April 24 in John D. Fuller Sr. Recreation Complex on Bunce Road.
Laney will participate in both the running event and the Silver Arts in Water Conor. She has already qualified for walking in the national senior games in Iowa that will take place in July. Participants qualified the year prior to national competitions at state level, so she assured her place for this upcoming national competition last year.
“It keeps people young and active,” says Langley. “So you don't just get old and shriveled and don't do anything. I can't wait.”
The event starts with track and field events on the opening day and a nice walk. There will also be a health and fitness fair on the opening day all takes place at Methodist University. If the participants place gold, silver or bronze in their events, they get the chance to go to the games at state level that take place every two years. After that, those winners can get the chance to go to Nationals.
Spectators are very welcome at the events and can come to one of the games. Go to for more information or about schedules https://mccog.org/senior-games.asp. Spectators can also follow online on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/mcseniorgames/.

(Photo: Posing participants in the softball event for a photo during the Mid Carolina Senior Games 2024. Photo with thanks to Lashonda Gough, Health Promotions and Senior Games Coordinator)