“If I could throw a ball, I was participating.” Competition often sparks a drive within us. 71-year-old Robert Long can relate. He has been competing in countless sports since the third grade, but bowling holds a special place in his heart. It’s a connection back to his father who got him started.
Let’s fast forward to 2015. Long was retired from the Marine Corps and his other career, and he thought his days of competing were long gone… until someone gave him an application for the Johnston County Senior Games (JCSG). “It changed my life because I was going to be able to continue to compete against my peers,” said Long. “I think it’s the best thing going. That’s why I did the ambassador program this year to help promote it, anything that I can do to help.”
The 2024 Johnston County Senior Games, presented by WoodmenLife, is celebrating its 37th anniversary of bringing together experienced individuals who are ages 50+ to promote health and wellness. A kick-off celebration took place Saturday, April 6 at Municipal Park (325 McCuller Street) where organizers emphasized age is just a number. “Whether they’re breaking records or enjoying the thrill of the games, our participants inspire us all,” said Clayton Parks and Recreation Community Center Supervisor Joni Hubble-Zeneberg. “We want to celebrate their accomplishments not just today but every day.”
There is something for everyone to enjoy both indoors and outdoors. Here are some of the different activities planned over the next four weeks:
- Artwork
- Billiards
- Bowling
- Golf
- Pickleball
- Swimming
- Track and Field
“We want participants to walk away with fun, fellowship, and the fulfillment of competing for their personal best,” said Hubble-Zeneberg.
Growing in popularity, the 2024 Johnston County Senior Games has more than 250 individuals who are registered to compete, which is a 36-percent increase from the prior year. “Watching participants compete and interact is galvanizing” said Hubble-Zeneberg. “It never gets old to see a first-year participant witness that they don’t have to be a super athlete to come out and compete in any event to a seasoned participant come out and enjoy seeing their friends who they have met in previous years.”
60-year-old Carolyn Sargent is entering her third year in the Johnston County Senior Games. She is a transplant from Massachusetts who heard about the annual event by word of mouth and took its concept to heart. “It’s important to let older people know that it doesn’t matter how old they get. They can always compete and have fun. They’re friends. They’re family… it’s just a great time.”
A pickleball enthusiast, Sargent admits the weather conditions this time of year in North Carolina are much improved for playing outside than in Massachusetts. She doted over the courts and green space offered at Municipal Park before grinning and turning her attention to the upcoming renovations at the Clayton Community Center and Park, located off Amelia Church Road. “I’m thrilled,” exclaimed Sargent. “We definitely need more courts because we have a lot of pickleball players.”
New pickleball, bocce, shuffleboard, and tennis courts are just some of the elements that participants can look forward to next year. “What they’re doing with the new construction at the Clayton Community Center… it’s going to help the games,” said Long.
The Johnston County Senior Games continues to highlight state-of-the-art facilities and the far-reaching impacts that they have on their surrounding communities, including the Town of Clayton. “The JCSG committee determines the best facilities throughout the county to host each event,” said Hubble-Zeneberg. “We’re honored to be a destination for our participants to watch, compete, and mingle with each other, and our team works tirelessly to provide the best experience.”
It's an experience that has had a lasting impression on Long over the last decade and one that he hopes to share with others. “There’s a saying on our application: People do not stop playing because they grow old; they grow old because they stop playing,” said Long. “I hope the youngsters, the teenagers, the adults, and the seniors can stay involved as much as they physically can, and the mental side will take care of itself.”
The 2024 Johnston County Senior Games comes to a close on Thursday, May 2 with a Performance Showcase and Gala. To learn more about the annual event, click here, and to explore the different features at the Town of Clayton’s parks, click here.