Oxford Seniors prepares to host 36th annual Masters Games

From Sept. 8-19, Oxford Seniors will host its “Oxford Seniors Masters Games,” with the expectation of having 100 to 150 participants for 23 events.

“Just because people are older, it doesn’t mean that they’re still looking for community,” said Emily Liechty, executive director at Oxford Seniors.

The games started in 1988, with the goal of bringing the senior community together for competition and healthy activities, according to Liechty.

The Masters Games will begin with a kick-off ceremony, including breakfast provided by Oxford Parks and Recreation. Registration for the opening breakfast is required. 

One main event is the baking contest, which is divided into three categories: pies, cakes and cookies/bars. It will take place on Friday, Sept. 12 at noon. 

Corn toss will be played on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 9 a.m., followed by a darts contest at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12.

A shuffleboard tournament will be hosted on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and Wednesday, Sept. 10, both at 9 a.m.

“We do a real mixture of athletic stuff and more non-athletic stuff,” said Emily Liechty.

Contestants will have the opportunity to stretch their legs with a few events in the first week of games, including a dexterity triathlon on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. and a fitness walk on Monday, Sept. 8 at 8 a.m.

Card games will also be played throughout the event, with a Euchre contest on Monday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m., golf cards will be played at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. A bridge contest will be hosted at The Knolls of Oxford’s Commons at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

“Just because you get older doesn’t mean you don’t still want to compete and win,” Liechty said. “We really try to meet people where they are in their fitness level and abilities.”

Liechty added that the pickleball event, which takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the TRI Community Center, and the chair balloon volleyball event, which takes place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, are examples of the range of events that Oxford Seniors has to offer their community and participants. 

The Master Games conclude with an awards ceremony at noon on Friday, Sept. 19. The ceremony will feature Chad Smith, the director of Oxford Parks and Recreation. Food from around Oxford will be provided during the event. 

First place winners will receive a medal, while second and third place winners will receive ribbons at the ceremony.

‘All in good fun’

One of the more decorated Oxford seniors is Priscilla Baker, who has had fun each year since she started playing the games in 2022.

“Everybody enjoys it,” Baker said. “It’s not a competition where people get mad or anything.” 

Baker has won a variety of events over the past few years during the Masters Games. From Wii bowling, to Euchre, to darts, Baker has a lot of experience.. 

Last year, Baker received five ribbons in the competition. She hopes to add some more hardware to her collection this year. Since her freshman appearance in the Masters Games, Baker estimates she has received between nine and 10 awards. But winning isn’t why she participates in the games.

“If I do it, I do it. If I don’t, I don’t,” Baker said. “It’s all in good fun.”

How to play

Registration for the games is $25, which includes a free t-shirt. Shirts will be available for pick-up on Sept. 5 at Oxford Seniors. Any non-senior member who registers for the Masters Games are allowed to participate in competitions. Donations are also accepted. 

Events such as bowling, golf, and golf cards have additional fees attached. To view the full schedule of events, visit www.oxfordsenior.org.

Registration ends on Aug. 29, and can be submitted to Oxford Seniors on 922 Tollgate Drive or online at www.oxfordsenior.org. More information may be found on the website.