Schedule at bottom of article
(This article first appeared in the September print edition of the Hendersonian.)
The Gathering Place’s annual senior games will be Sept 8-12. The weeklong competition kicks off 8:30 am Monday in Central Park with the games’ opening ceremony.
That will be followed by a washer competition near the fountain in Central Park.
The games are open to people aged 50 and above. Bill Rhodes, the executive director of the Gathering Place, says he takes all comers as long as they are 50 years old or older.
He also said a participant does not need to live in Henderson County and does not need to be a member of The Gathering Place. He said he just wants as many seniors as possible to participate.
Rhodes estimated that 65-70 people participated last year. He wants more.
“This is our big county-wide event,” he said.
In addition to physical activities, such as basketball shooting table tennis, pool, bowling, walking and horseshoes, there are also more sedentary competitions, such as card games.
“Some people don’t want to do any of the physical games, but they love card games,” Rhodes said.
The age categories are 50-65; 66-75; and 76 and older.
Winners, as has occurred in the past, will receive gold, silver and bronze medals. Rhodes said also in the past, winners were recognized in a small ceremony directly after their competitions. This year, Rhodes said he may include a large medal ceremony at the games’ closing ceremony dinner sponsored by Golden Corral on Sept. 12 at The Gathering Place.
The competition continues a tradition that has been in place for at least 20 years.
“It’s been going on way before me,” Rhodes said.
Additional pieces of the games include students from Madisonville Community College’s occupational therapy program, Rhodes said. They will earn contact hours for assisting during the week, he said.
Rhodes stressed the games are free for participants. To sign up, an athlete needs to register at The Gathering Place at 1817 N. Elm St.
Raymond B. Preston Family Fitness Center
The center is gearing up for the grand opening of the Raymond B. Preston Family Fitness Center, which includes new exercise equipment that has been purchased from a community advertising fundraising drive.
According to Sheldon Booze, the chair of The Gathering Place’s board of directors, more than 30 businesses have participated in the advertising campaign.
Advertisements that have been sold are shown in prominent areas inside the building, where people gather everyday and where Saturday evening dances are often held, as well as on the outside of the building near its entrance and seen by drivers passing on North Elm Street, Booze said.
“It’s brought eyes to the building,” Rhodes said.
There also ads on The Gathering Place’s van, he said.
The new equipment for the fitness center will be delivered Sept. 22 while its grand opening is 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 24, said Booze, who added that advertisements are still available to be purchased.
2025 Senior Games Schedule
(In the event of rain, outdoor events affected will not be made up)
Sept. 8
8 a.m. Athlete Check In
8:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies, Central Park Fountain
Opening Remarks
Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider, Henderson Mayor Brad Staton
9 a.m. Washers Central Park
10 a.m. Men’s Darts—The Gathering Place
11:30 a.m. Women’s Darts—The Gathering Place
12:30 p.m. Lunch provided by Butler’s Apothecary and St. Anthony’s Hospice at The Gathering Place
2 p.m. Bowling at Diamond Lanes Echo
Sept. 9
8 a.m. Men’s Pool 8-Ball tournament—The Gathering Place
10 a.m. Men’s Pool 9-Ball Tournament—The Gathering Place
10 a.m. Women’s Table Tennis Tournament—The Gathering Place
11:30 a.m. Lunch provided by Homeplace of Henderson
1 p.m. Men’s Table Tennis Tournament—The Gathering Place
1 p.m. Women’s Pool 8-Ball Tournament—The Gathering Place
2:30 p.m. Women’s Pool 9-Ball Tournament—The Gathering Place
Sept. 10
9 a.m. Women’s basketball Shoot Around—YMCA
9 a.m. Men’s baseketball Shoot Around—YMCA
11:30 a.m. Lunch provided by El Sabor de la Abuela Mexican Restaurant
1 p.m. Women’s Corn Hole—The Gathering Place
2 p.m. Men’s Corn Hole—The Gathering Place
Sept. 11
8 a.m. Men’s Horseshoe Tournament—Atkinson Park by the softball fields
9:30 a.m. Women’s Horseshoe Tournament—Atkinson Park by the softball fields
11:30 a.m. Lunch at The Gathering Place
1 p.m. Women’s Croquet—Atkinson Park by the softball fields
2 p.m. Women’s Lawn Bowling—Atkinson Park by the softball fields
2 p.m. Men’s Croquet—Atkinson Park by the softball fields
Sept. 12
8 a.m. Men’s and Women’s 1-mile walk—Atkinson Park entrance Hays Boat Ramp across from 2000 N. Elm St.
9 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Lawn Darts—Atkinson Park by the softball fields
10:30 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Football Throw—Atkinson Park by the softball fields
11:30 a.m. Luch provided by Solarbron and Morganfield Nursing and Rehab
12:30 p.m. Hand and Foot Tournament (mixed)—The Gathering Place
6 p.m. Closing Ceremony Celebration Dinner at The Gathering Place sponsored by Golden Corral
