HAMLET — The opening ceremony of the 36th annual Senior Games in Richmond County took place Monday evening, marking the start of this year’s competitions and celebrations for local athletes.
The ceremony featured the presentation of the flag by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem performed by Amanda Kempen, director of the Hamlet Senior Center.
A parade of Senior Games athletes followed, with Catherine Bethea, an SCRC ambassador, serving as torchbearer. Vince Stroman, an SGRC ambassador, and Janice Stevens, an SGRC participant, served as banner bearers.
“Thank you so much for coming out to the 36th annual senior games here in Richmond County, said Karen Steen, coordinator of the Senior Games of Richmond County. “We got a night full of entertainment, and I promise that we’re gonna have tears, but they’re gonna be good tears.”
During the ceremony, 2025 Senior Games state winners were recognized.
Gold medalists included Sarah Benton, Pamela Carpenter, Hazel Haygood, James Haygood, Greg Hutchinson, Richard Lassiter, Mark Long, Ida Malloy and Marvin Powell.
Silver medalists included Mark Long, Marvin Powell, Cotton Saunders and Frances Williams.
Bronze medalists included Pamela Carpenter, Raymond Collins, Kristal Gomiller, James Haygood, Stephanie Hudson, Patricia Hyde, Cheryl Johnson, Robin Kapp, Mary Kidd, Gwen Lanning, Deborah Leviner, Angelika Lies, Lorie Locklear, Mark Long, Ida Malloy, June Moore, Lee Peterson, Audrey Richardson, Michelle Schnell, Amy Sellers, Myra Singletary, Karen Steen, Lisa Thomas, Annie Tice, Kim Watts, Johnatha Wright and Lisa Yates.
Myra Singletary, an SGRC ambassador, served as the guest speaker and reflected on her experiences in the Senior Games while encouraging greater community involvement.
“I need more ambassadors next year because going out and asking people for money isn’t easy. I can’t do it alone… we need to start having bake sales or yard sales, something that can help out throughout the year. So next year, we can have more things for our senior games,” said Singletary. “Please come up with some ideas for things we can do to raise money on our own.”
Singletary said she met participants from Cherokee County at the state competition who described year-round fundraising efforts that help cover costs for athletes.
Sheila Brosier, a Senior Games of Richmond County participant, recited the Senior Games Spirit.
“I am pride in one’s community
And its representation throughout the State;
I am a smile or a hug
From a new found friend;
I am the desire that inspired all that
Are involved to give their very best;
I am thankfulness for the gifts
Of health and wellness that are mine;
I am love and support that touches
People of all ages;
I am the knowledge that every individual
Is one of God’s special creations;
I am the thread that unites each of us into one
For this night and all the years to come;
I am the Spirit of the Senior Games!”
The ceremony also included a tribute to the late Terry Mercer, a longtime coordinator who served the organization for more than a decade.
“She was always encouraging, smiling and laughing,” said Steen. “She became like one of my second moms. She will always hold a special place in my heart, and the hearts of us in this room. To the Mercer family, thank you. We love you.”
“We got to keep Terry alive in our hearts, and I know we have,” said Pete Wheeler, an SGRC participant. “God gained an angel. A wonderful angel.”