Senior living community brings Olympic-style games to North Carolina

For some retirees in North Carolina, the golden years have a new meaning as they “go for the gold” in The Liberty Games.

“A month after I was hired, I began to think of ways to get residents involved and foster new relationships.What’s better than a little friendly competition ?” said Norris.

The first games were held at Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall, one of Liberty’s communities in Wilmington. The goal was to create more camaraderie through an event based on the National Senior Games, also called the Senior Olympics.

“Residents faced off for about a week of competitions such as: bike racing, water balloon tossing, billiards and cornhole. You name it, we probably had it”, said Norris.

This year the games were expanded to include more communities hosting their own competition.

“They were each just as successful as the original ones. Most communities took pictures and had a good turnout with a pizza party and slideshow at the end”.

As conditions with COVID-19 begin to get safer, Liberty was able to create The Liberty Games.

“This spring, Residents traveled to Wilmington to participate in two days of competition,” said Norris. “It was a lot of fun. They had a blast. There w as lots of laughter and  family members came to cheer their loved ones on.

The winners got to take the trophy back to their community where it will sit until next year — a reminder of the work, fun, friendships, and sportsmanship that a little friendly competition can bring.

Next year, South Bay at Mount Pleasant SC, will host this event.