By Ashley McCleery

The North Jefferson News



Growing older does not actually mean growing up. Nobody knows this better than the Morris senior center participants of the Masters Games of Alabama, a non-profit organization promoting healthy lifestyles for senior adults through social, mental and physical activities.

On Aug. 13-17, the seniors traveled to Trussville for the regional Masters Games, and qualified for the state Masters Games being held on Oct.9-11 in Valley.

For the eighth time, Morris senior citizens participated in the games, bringing home 52 awards this year. Participant Eloise Blankenship placed in the top three in her division in Rook, single and double dominoes, tennis, swimming and basketball.

“You have to play in the county to qualify for the state. Then, when you compete in state, you can win medals,” Blankenship said.

Even though Blankenship said winning at the regional games and advancing to the state games was one of the highlights, she said the fellowship was the best part of the event.

“It was great to see people from last year and the other centers that take part in this.”

Muriel Teske, who placed in the top of her division in Rook, double dominoes, Frisbee and Nerfball, agreed with Blankenship. “It was just fun to be with everybody. We had the best time.”

Teske enjoyed the region games, but is now looking forward to heading to Valley. “We even have our own bus to take us to Valley to go to the state games. And you know how it is when you get a group together, all you do is laugh and cut up.”

Games played at the conference included basketball, billiards, bowling, checkers, dominoes, Frisbee, Nerfball throw, golf, horseshoes, Rook, racquetball, shuffleboard, softball throw, swimming, table tennis and tennis. In order to keep the games fair, each game was divided by age groups and then centers.

For Don Ault, rook, Nerf football and Frisbee were his favorite activities, especially since he swept first place in all three. “My favorite part was winning,” Ault said, but it’s all just for fun. It keeps us seniors busy. We can’t just sit around.”

Belva Durham, the district representative for the Alabama Area Agency on Aging, said keeping the seniors healthy is one of the key elements of the games. “From a health standpoint, it helps them remain active. It gives them something to work towards and for.”

But games are not the only events at the Masters Games. Accompanying the games are an opening ceremony, formal dinner, dance and awards ceremony, which Durham said helps create a sense of community within the senior centers.

“I advise all seniors to participate. It’s a lot of fun. Just come and have a good time.”