Members of our city Senior Center are headed to Valley this October to play in the Master Games! A group of 14 went to Oxford in June to qualify for the state games Oct. 16-19, competing in games such as billiards, shuffleboard, pickleball, bowling, basketball free throws and several others in an Olympics-like structure for ages 50 and up.
“It’s one of the highlights of my job,” said Andrea Morris, Senior Center coordinator. The seniors spent about four months practicing in advance of the June qualifiers, she said, and between the competition and camaraderie, they tend to have a blast. “Getting there and seeing their faces as they’re competing and having fun and meeting people, it’s very exciting.”
The Senior Center is asking for donations to help cover the cost of four days and three nights in Valley for the state competition, which includes lodgings and meals for the participants. Want to help out? Get in touch with Andrea at the office or mail a check to 501C Alexandria Road SW, Jacksonville, 36265. Donations can’t be received by phone, but you can reach the office at 256-435-9199 for more information.
“Most of the time seniors are at home and by themselves, so they come to the Senior Center to develop friendships,” said Morris. This is the first time the seniors have gotten to compete since 2018, she noted. “It’s a friendly competition, but seeing their faces as they’re competing and they really light up, it’s a great time.”
