GEM Senior Games a success

  By Gail sonnesso

GEM executive director

It may not have been the Olympics, but the satisfaction in winning was still the same. when The GEM Center held its 6th annual Senior Games at the Baum Center on May 5.

  Participants from the center joined members of the Monarch Beach Club and Manteo Nutrition Site to compete in four events: bowling, shuffleboard, bocce ball and corn hole.

  This may not seem unusual except for the fact that center participants are elderly adults suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

  Watching the contestants compete was a testament to the unique services provided by the center. The highest scorer in shuffleboard happened to be a 95-year-old. However, her her moves matched any teenager’s, and she wore her gold medal with great pride.

  “Being given the opportunity to enhance another’s life through the experience of playing games is just AWESOME! The feeling of excitement and emotion felt through the participants’ faces when they won those medals was indescribable,“ said Emily Karr, program coordinator with the Baum Center.

  Notables in attendance along with Karr were Warren Judge, chairman, Dare County Board of Commissioners, Carol sparks, Adult fitness Center and Laura Davis, program director for the YMCA.

  The scoring was organized by Paul Binder and Ma Theine Turlington. Aubrey Remage, fitness coordinator for the Baum Center and Katy Bryne, GEM volunteer, were eager coaches.

  All proceeds from the games will help fund the services provided by the center.

  Participants visit the center Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday where they enjoy brunch, lunch, two nutritious snacks, exercise, crafts, games, etc. each day, giving their care givers some much-needed support.

  The GEM Center is located at 115 Mustian Street, Kill Devil Hills.