Seniors representing the Carroll County Senior Activity & Wellness Center (SAWC) in Berryville recently crushed the competition in the 36th Northwest Arkansas Senior Games to bring home a whopping 95 medals – 51 gold, 33 silver and 11 bronze – plus a $500 first place prize check for the Center.
In second place was the Springdale SAWC, and Newton County SAWC scored third. The Highest Point Female overall was Berryville’s Jamie Correia, who brought home 15 gold and one silver medal. Of the 19 medalists from Carroll County SAWC, 17 also brought home at least one gold.
The games, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas, were held at three different locations between April 7 and 29 and were open to seniors representing Senior Activity and Wellness Centers in the nine counties served by the agency. There were just under 200 entries from 14 Centers this year; reportedly only half the usual number as the games are still regaining popularity in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic.
But that didn’t diminish the enthusiasm displayed this year as contestants signed up for events in 10 age divisions from 50 to 100-plus, including five folks aged 90 or over. Games ranged from track and field activities to archery, bowling, billiards, various walks and runs, and fun challenges such as spincasting and nail pounding.
“It’s exciting and uplifting to be part of this,” high point winner Correia said. “My personal goal is helping our Carroll County Center earn points. It’s a lot of fun, you meet some wonderful people, and there’s some great swag!”
Correia, who was Carroll County Clerk for eight years, first entered the Senior Games in 2016 when she was 50. This year she captured gold in Bowling (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles), Baggo, Stationary Cycling, Spincasting, Nail Pounding, Shot Put, Javelin, Daisy Air Gun, Basketball, Softball Throw, Football Throw, 200 Meter Walk and Discus.
“Everyone who can, should do this,” she said. “I’m here to help anyone who’s thinking of signing up for 2024, so bring it on – there’s something for everyone!”
Angie Dunlap, director of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas, agrees. “It is so important to stay healthy and involved in physical activity and in social activities to avoid isolation as we age. The games are a great way for us to celebrate Older Americans Act month in May and promote activities that keep us all healthy, strong, and engaged with others.”
Participants do not need to be a member of a particular Senior Center in the Agency’s nine counties but are required to sign up for events through one of those Centers. This year contestants from six towns in Oklahoma and Missouri participated on behalf of a Center in Northwest Arkansas.
For more information, contact Christine Butler at the Carroll County SWAC (870) 423-2796.