Hickory's Unifour Senior Games are setting the stage for another year of competition and celebration for the 50-plus crowd. According to the city's announcement, the event, spanning from March 31 to May 22, invites participants from across Catawba, Burke, Alexander, and Caldwell counties to enjoy a variety of athletic and creative activities. The city's official event page trumpets a lineup that includes the Fun Walk and Parade of Flags, kicking off the Opening Ceremonies at the Highland Recreation Center on April 14 at 9:30 a.m.
For those ready to join the fray, the deadline to register for this ambitious slate of events is March 17. A modest $15 fee gets participants a commemorative t-shirt, lunch at the Opening Ceremonies, and the promise of a senior prom-themed Closing Ceremonies on May 12, where semi-formal attire will be worn by participants. Interested seniors can sign up now at the North Carolina Senior Games website dedicated to the Unifour Senior Games.
Creative spirits will not be left wanting, with the SilverArts Exhibit displaying local talent at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library from April 2-10. And those inclined to the performing arts can look to the Follies Showcase on April 9, held at 6 p.m. at Ridgeview Recreation Center, enveloping audiences in the artistic fervor that still burns bright in these seasoned performers.
Amplifying the pride of the region, Carla Kincaid, originally hailing from Morganton, steps up as a 2026 North Carolina Senior Games trained ambassador. During her over 10-year tenure, she has represented the Unifour region at local, state, and national levels, continuously advocating for active living and community building among the senior set. For more information, Local Coordinator Charla Davis is available at 828-322-7046 ext. 7022 or via email at [email protected].
As a testament to the enduring spirit of active aging, the Unifour Senior Games remain a cornerstone of North Carolina's commitment to senior wellness and social engagement. Sanctioned by the NCSG, the Unifour Senior Games is one of 54 such programs designed to inspire our elders to live life to the fullest, with a legacy stretching back more than three decades.
