In 1983 North Carolina Senior Games began with a vision to create a year-round health promotion and education program for North Carolinians 55 years of age and older.
Today, there are over 36,000 seniors participating in 52 local games that serve all 100 counties across the state.
Senior Games is a holistic approach to body, mind and spirit staying fit, while enjoying the company of friends, family, spectators, and volunteers. Sports include: Archery, Badminton, Basketball Shooting, Basketball 3-on-3, Billiards, Bowling, Croquet, Cycling, Field Events, Football Throw, Spin Casting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, and Track Events. Individuals compete within their own age and sex category as follows: 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95-99, and 100+.
Each spring, older adults from Jackson County join together in the Smoky Mountain Senior Games for recreation, competition, and fun. The Smoky Mountain Senior Games include: Badminton, Basketball Accuracy, Billiards, Bowling, Croquet, Cycling, Field Even ts, Football Throw, Golf, Horseshoes, Racquetball, Shuffleboard, Softball Throw, Spin Casting, Table Tennis, Tennis, and Track Events. Local medal winners qualify for the annual North Carolina Senior Games State Finals, held in Raleigh every fall. Every two years, the State Finals winners qualify for the National Senior Games.
Please call the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department at 293-3053 for more information about the Smoky Mountain Senior Games.