OKMULKE, Oklv. – On May 17th, an important event took place in the tribe: this year’s Senior Games at the Claude Cox Omniplex. For some it’s just an event, but for others it gives them a chance to get out, see old friends, give themselves a workout, and maybe engage in a bit of friendly competition. Overall though, it’s a chance for the elder citizens of the tribe to have fun.
The day’s events started with registration and breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. As people filtered in, event coordinators began by introducing the day’s events, including a small speech from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Chief of Staff Jeff Fife. The first event began shortly after with a walk around the Omniplex, followed by one of the first really competitive events, the free throw competition, which was separated by age and gender. It was a wildly popular event, even some members of the MCN Youth Council found themselves having a good time. Another point of competition was the game of bean bag toss, also known colloquially as Cornhole.
Carmin Tecumseh-Williams, Secretary of MCN Community and Human Services, and one of the organizers of the event, spoke to reporters about why the tribe holds events like these. “It’s about getting our elders out there for fellowship, for some good, healthy exercising, and just to bring them together.” Carmin said. “We have a very competitive nature about us as Muscogee people, and we enjoy coming out and doing exactly what they’re doing today, which is laughing and catching up with one another.”
Tecumseh-Williams elaborated on the sense of fellowship and community the event provided. “Our communities are pretty far apart, so when they get an opportunity to come together and to fellowship, then this is where they gather. You’ll hear lots of laughing and cheering and clapping. Even though we’re competitive, we’re still, you know, we are still each other’s biggest fans.”
After the morning games wrapped there was a brief lunch break, as well as a performance from Indian Elvis, then festivities continued with events like a paper airplane contest. Many participants had spent the morning working on paper airplanes and launching them throughout the basketball arena, much to the amusement of both participants and spectators. Then the final major event to cap off the event was the Jacks tournament, where staff pushed several tables together and allowed elders to have a bit more friendly competition.
Some of Tecumseh-Williams’ statements were echoed by Angella Fish, the Director of MCN Elder Services. “It’s about watching the elders enjoy themselves. … It gives (the elders) an opportunity to come in and enjoy themselves, and it uplifts their spirit.” Director Fish said.
Event organizers stressed that it is important that the tribe has an event like this to help the elders in any way it can, as they are a part of the history of the tribe, and it’s one that needs to be preserved.
