CHEROKEE / CLAY
SENIOR GAMES & SILVERARTS

MISSION / FAQ

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1.  What is the North Carolina Senior Games (NCSG) organization?

The North Carolina Senior Games began in 1983 with a vision to create a year-round health promotion and wellness education program for adults 50 years of age and better.  The Senior Games’ mission is truly grassroots in North Carolina and has placed our State far beyond other states with a structure that is participant driven.  

The Cherokee/Clay County Senior Games & SilverArts organization was launched in 2007 with the first Senior Games taking place in 2008.  We are a non-profit organization (501-C3) sanctioned by the North Carolina Senior Games, Inc.

Each spring, local Games are conducted at the county level with the State Finals competition held in the fall.  It is designed to get adults up and moving through sports and arts. 

As the sanctioned site for the National Senior Games Association, the NCSG qualifies athletes to advance to the National Senior Games every other year.

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2.  What sports are included?

At the State level, there are 23 sports featuring 70 events.  Team events like Basketball and Softball; endurance activities like Swimming, Cycling, Road Races and Track & field; skill events like Billiards, Bowling, and Golf; as well as recreational sports like Shuffleboard, Cornhole, Pickleball, Badminton, and Bocce are offered.  Cherokee/Clay also offers additional events which are not included at the State Finals like Air Rifle Target Shooting and Chess.  For a complete list, see the Sports page on our website or visit the State website at ncseniorgames.org.

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3.  Arts are included?

YES.   SilverArts brings together the athlete and the artist in a program that recognizes the values common to both endeavors: discipline, dedication and a sense of accomplishment. Five main categories of art are showcased: Visual arts, Literary arts, Performing arts, Heritage arts and Cheerleading.   Cherokee/Clay offers 47 sub-categories of Arts.  See the complete list elsewhere on our website.

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4.  Who is eligible to participate?

To be eligible to participate in our local Games -

1. You must be 50 years of age or better on or before December 31 of the current year and

2. Be a resident of Cherokee, Clay or Graham counties for 3 consecutive months each year. 

Your age as of as of December 31st of the current year determines in which of the 5-year age divisions you participate - 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95+.

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5.  Do you have to qualify to go to the State Finals?

YES.   You DO have to qualify at the local level in order to advance to the State Finals. 

Sports: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each event in their age group qualifies for State Finals.  

SilverArts Visual, Heritage and Literary Art categories: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each sub-category qualifies.

SilverArts Performing Arts and Cheerleader categories: only the acts chosen locally as the Best-in-Show qualifies to advance to the State Finals.

 

6.  Is there another level past the State?

YES.  1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in their age group in each National Games sanctioned event at the State Finals are eligible and encouraged to advance to the National Senior Games held on each odd year.  SilverArts are not included at the National Games.

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7.  How much does it cost, and what does that cover?

The Cherokee/Clay Local Games registration fee is $10 (Early Bird) and $15 after that to sign up for as many sports and art events as you wish to participate in.  Additional fees are required at the following venues - Bowling, Billiards, Air Rifle, Golf and Mini Golf.   Medals are presented to all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers.

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NCSG State Finals registration is $45 per participant (Early Bird) and $55 after that.  There may be additional fees required at the event level as well.   Medals are presented to all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers.

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8.  If I need a partner or want to join a team, how do I do that?

For the local Cherokee/Clay Games, contact the local Coordinator or for more information or visit the website under Sports/Find a partner. 

For the State Finals, only locally qualified competitors are accepted.  If your partner cannot go to State with you and you are looking for another qualified partner or team, go to the NCSG website under ‘Need a Partner’ where you can add your name and/or see a list of other participants who you can contact.

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9.  Where can I find the rules?

The complete NCSG sports and SilverArts rulebooks are posted on both the Cherokee/Clay and NCSG websites (ncseniorgames.org).

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10.  How can I help?

The Cherokee/Clay Senior Games & SilverArts is an all-volunteer, 501-c3 organization. 

Volunteers are always welcomed and needed at both the local and State Games to promote and assist in many ways.  Please let us know if you or someone you know has the skills, interest, or abilities to advance the cause of senior health.  You can volunteer for our local games by signing up elsewhere on this website.   The benefits far outweigh the time or cost involved.

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