OKMULGEE – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Health Promotion and Wellness team within the MCN Public Health Department hosted its annual Senior Games at the Mvskoke Dome on May 21. They had a putting contest, cornhole, jacks, a fitness walk, a dance, a free-throw basketball contest, and a softball throw contest. This was for individuals aged 55 years and older, for any enrolled tribal member. Seniors were offered a free meal and a free shirt with a BP check.
The games are held every year to promote healthy aging and encourage physical activity, creating meaningful opportunities for elders to stay active and socially connected. “It’s a way to support their overall health while honoring their role in our community,” said MCN Health Promotion and Wellness Director Duane Meadows (Mvskoke).
“We also appreciated our volunteers, including Tribal Council representatives who helped judge events, and Principal Chief David Hill, who provided the opening welcome.”
Meadow’s believes that the turnout was very strong, with nearly 300 people attending. Seeing everyone participate in these games and bring a ton of energy throughout the day was very encouraging to him.
During the games, participants were divided into age groups: men and women aged 55-64 and 65+. This was to help ensure everyone had an equal opportunity to enjoy the competition.
They started the day with a fitness walk, followed by a dance warm-up to get the crowd moving. Then they began the contest events.
“One of my favorite parts of the event is seeing the group competitions like cornhole and basketball free throw. These activities bring out a lot of interaction, encouragement, and laughter, and you can really see the camaraderie among participants,” Meadows said.
Meadows stated that they like to focus on activities that are safe, inclusive, and adaptable to different ability levels. These types of activities can help improve mobility, strength, balance, and cardiovascular health.
“Our goal is to incorporate movements that support daily function, balance, and coordination while still being enjoyable and engaging. We also take into consideration what our elders enjoy and provide a variety of activities that offer both fun and friendly competition,” Meadows said.
Their department likes to ensure that these activities help reduce the risk of falls and support elders’ independence. They believe that this is important as well as being socially active with one another. Meadows spoke about how this supports mental and emotional well-being and reduces isolation.
“Events like the Senior Games are about more than physical activity. The event brings us together for health, culture, and community. It takes a collaborative effort to make it successful, and we’re grateful to everyone involved. We look forward to continuing to grow and improve this event each year for our elders,” Meadow said.
For safety reasons, MCN EMS was on standby in case of emergencies. Their department also partnered with MCN Senior Services and had great support in planning the day from the MCN Elder Services Office Manager, Angi Neumeyer (Mvskoke). This event brought in MCN Public Health Nurses for first aid and the MCN Health Prevention Program, which provided blood pressure checks and additional prizes.
What Meadows enjoys most about hosting these events for the elderly is seeing all of the elders come together to have fun and support one another.
“It’s very rewarding to provide an event that promotes health while also building community. Seeing the smiles and knowing they feel valued and appreciated makes it all worthwhile,” Meadows said.
He even said there was positive feedback from the elders, especially regarding the shirts provided by the program.
Abbie Larney (Mvskoke) and Mariam Beaver (Mvskoke) spoke about this year’s Senior Games and their thoughts on it.
Larney came to see all the elders and to enjoy good fellowship; she also enjoyed the lunch provided. Larney wanted to try out some of the activities, especially the jacks.
Beaver, however, didn’t participate in any activities, but she did enjoy seeing people that she hadn’t seen in a long time. Larney also agreed with Beaver.
Beaver believes it is great that the elders can participate in events like this. She is very appreciative that this department puts on events like this for them. “I think it’s really good, it’s good for the seniors. They get a chance to get out,” Beaver said.
“I’m glad too that they do something for us elders. I enjoy it, I think Creek Nation is doing a good job,” Larney said.
Senior Game Results that were provided by Meadows:
Men- ages 55-64:
Free Throw:
1st place- Rob Deere
2nd place-Tony Roberts
3rd place-Mike Proctor
Softball Throw:
1st place-Adam Fox
2nd place-Rob Deere
3rd place-William Fixico
Golf Putting:
1st place-Mike Proctor
2nd place-Kenneth Hill
3rd place-Mitch Jack
Cornhole:
1st place-Mike Proctor
2nd place-Marcus Proctor
3rd place-Kenneth Hill
Jacks:
1st place-Randall Hicks
2nd place-William Fixico
3rd place-Tony Roberts
Men- ages 65+
Free Throw:
1st place-Charlie Proctor
2nd place-James Bender
3rd place-Lowell Wesley
Softball Throw:
1st place-G K
2nd place-Gary Warrior
3rd place-James Bender
Golf Putting:
1st place-Thomas Coon
2nd place-Turner Bear
3rd place-Larry Spencer
Cornhole:
1st place-James Bender
2nd place-Speedy
3rd place-Justin Barnett
Jacks:
1st place-Bobby Lena
2nd place-James Bender
3rd place-Gary Warrior
Women- ages 55-64
Free Throw:
1st place- Marsha Wilbanks
2nd place-Barbara Sands
3rd place-Mary Narcomey
Softball Throw:
1st place-Sherri Freeman
2nd place-Mary Narcomey
3rd place-Marsha Wilbanks
Golf Putting:
1st place-Carol Harjo
2nd place-Mary Narcomey
3rd place-Pam Harjo
Cornhole:
1st place-Karen Bias
2nd place-Carolyn McNac
3rd place-Charlene Colber
Jacks:
1st place-Marsha Wilbanks
2nd place-Charlene Colbert
3rd place-Sherry Bear
Women- ages 65+
Free Throw:
1st place-Linda Tiger
2nd place-Kim Stout
3rd place-Robin Jimboy
Softball Throw:
1st place-Edna Blair
2nd place-Rita Hinson
3rd place-Kim Stout
Golf Putting:
1st place-Leona Fish
2nd place-Nancy Conley
3rd place-Judy Williams
Cornhole:
1st place-Barbara Oneil
2nd place-Eliose Johnson
3rd place-Francine Lowe
Jacks:
1st place-Linda Hicks
2nd place-Mary Walters
3rd place-Maggie Coon
