Spalding County held its 16th annual golden Senior Games and Expo on Thursday, April 24, 2008. This was the conclusion of several days of events from bowling to checkers to bingo. Seniors were brought to the building in a series of golf carts with cheerleaders directing everyone where to go and cheering as everyone entered the building for the opening of the final day.

Spalding County Senior Center Supervisor Jo Ellis wrote an inspirational song that brought the audience clapping and singing to get things rolling and Vicki Pilgrim, who is the Executive Director the Georgia Golden Olympics, gave an inspirational message for the opening of the final day. Emphasis was placed upon staying physically and mentally healthy.

Participants walked through a health fare before attending various events throughout the morning and afternoon. The cheerleaders accompanied participants to the different events and brought smiles to participants all day long. Pictures were taken of the winners of each event as the medals were awarded. Lunch was provided with help from teens from Spalding and Pike Counties and various service organizations in Spalding County.

The Golden Olympic Oath is "Let me compete to the best of my potential in the spirit of fun, fairness and fellowship."

The Torch Bearer was Tommy Lindsay, Banner Carriers were Rudy and Marie LoMonaco, and the Flag Ceremony was performed by the Spalding County Fire Department. Roy Pugh and the WWII Veterans led the Pledge of Allegiance, Rev. Chester Milner brought the invocation, and Louis Green, Director of Spalding County Recreation and Parks, presented the Golden Volunteer Award. The Golden Volunteer Award was accepted by Marie LoMonaco on behalf of Jo Miller who has taught Bridge for many years at the Senior Center.

There were about 300 participants in the games. The oldest participant at the games was 91. And the announcement was made that the new Senior Center is coming. The groundbreaking will be this summer.

Students from Pike County attended during lunch and help serve participants as they went through the line. Thanks to everyone for letting me take your picture and place it online.

I hope readers enjoy looking at the pictures from this day as much as I enjoyed taking them! This page is now complete.