Down East Senior Games
The Down East Senior Games (DESG) is composed of five counties: Nash, Wilson, Edgecombe, Halifax, and North Hampton. DESG was established in 1983 with a vision to create a year-round health promotion and wellness education program for adults 50 years of age and better. Participants will compete in their own age and sex categories in increments of five years. (Example: 50-54 is one age category and 80-84 is another.)
Events take place in Rocky Mount, Tarboro, and Wilson, North Carolina. The event categories in which seniors may choose to compete are sports, literary arts, performing arts, visual arts, and heritage arts. Our annual games start in late April and end in the middle of May. Below you will find more information on events, registration, volunteering and donating. Be sure to follow us on Facebook!
Registration:
torch.ncseniorgames.org – ONLINE Registration
Registration begins February 15th and runs until March 15th with a cost of $20.00. Individuals can mail in registrations to the Rocky Mount Senior Center (P.O Box 1180, Rocky Mount NC) or register online.
All checks should be made to The City of Rocky Mount.
Your age as of December 31, 2023, will determine the age category in which you compete.
DESG Staff
Coordinator:
Morgan Doughtie, 252-462-2730
Co-Coordinator:
Kelsye Newsome, 252-246-1133
Registration and Donations:
Devonte Speller, 252-972-1564
DESG Opportunities
Sports
Includes badminton, basketball, basketball shooting, billiards, bocce, cornhole, croquet, cycling, discus throw, football throw, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, race-walking, running long jump, shot put, shuffleboard, softball, softball throw, standing long jump, swimming, table tennis, tennis and track events.
Performing Arts
Includes cheerleading, comedy/drama, solo dance, small group dance, large group dance, solo instrumental, group instrumental, solo vocal, group vocal small group line dance and large group line dance.
Literary & Visual Arts
Liberal Arts includes essays, short stories, life experiences, and poetry.
Visual Arts includes acrylics, oil, drawing, mixed media, photography, sculpture, and watercolor.
Heritage Arts
Includes basket weaving, china painting, crocheting/knitting, jewelry, needlework, quilting, stained glass, tole/decorative painting, pottery, weaving, woodcarving and woodworking.