Through ups and downs, the Mid-Carolina Senior Games always come back strong, just like its competitors. Now entering its 40th year, they’ve seen sparse seasons, including one year during the COVID-19 pandemic with only 50 participants. Last year, the total number of participants surged to nearly 400. This year, they hope to top that number by registering 500 competitors.
The resurgence is encouraging. The Mid-Carolina Senior Games are about more than competition. While the month of April will feature over 30 events across categories like power walking, pickleball, table tennis, swimming, cornhole, disc golf, arts performances, and more, Lashonda Gough, Mid-Carolina Regional Council health promotions coordinator, says they see a growing community impact surrounding the event.
“We see participants return year after year. We are also starting to see intergenerational growth as the sons and daughters of our elder participants are aging into the games. We have seniors who have never played certain sports try them and fall in love. We have seen seniors come back strong after injuries and illnesses. We have also seen lifelong friendships form through participating in the games or SilverArts,” she shared.
Participation is encouraged for all ability levels. Seniors 50 years and older, whether first-timers or seasoned, can pick a category that works for them. While some competitors have their sights set on progressing to the state or regional competitions, others' ambitions lie closer to home. In both cases, the goal is to “celebrate 40 years of Bodies in Motion & Hearts in Art,” according to a press release.
“We want to keep everybody moving and change the way we view age,” Gough explained. “People think they have to be a pro, they don’t,” she said emphatically. She believes seniors already have the skill within them to be part of the Games, it’s just a matter of not letting age stop them and finding the right fit.
In addition to the month-long lineup of athletic events, the April 23rd Silver Arts Display will feature performances and submissions in categories across visual, heritage, literary, and performing arts. “That’s something I’m trying to draw more attention to,” Gough said of the Silver Arts Display. “We had more growth in that area last year and even created a website to display all the art that was submitted.” She says the website is a way for local artists to show off their art to friends and family long after the Mid-Carolina Senior Games are over.
Gough says opening day is the best way to learn more about the events. Opening day will be held at Methodist University Monarch Stadium and includes open registration, a torch lighting ceremony, a health and fitness fair, and more. Registration can be completed online, or for those who prefer in-person registration, Gough says to watch the Mid-Carolina Senior Games Facebook page, where they will publicize several on-location registration events prior to opening day.
“If you’ve never heard of the Senior Games, just come to our opening day,” Gough said. “You’ll get to see everybody, see what’s going on, and get a feel for what the Senior Games are. Just come out! You never know what could happen.”

(Photo: Harnett County Ambassador and participant Timothy Lloyd runs at Overhills High School during the 2024 Mid-Carolina Senior Games. Photo courtesy of Lashonda Gough)