Dorene Hannah (right) and her cousin Jean Porter (left) proudly display their awards, ribbons and medals. | Clif Knight

The 24th annual State Masters Games was held in October in Oxford.

Seniors who won in the district games this past June qualified for the state games. These qualifying seniors from Lacey Springs, Hartselle, Trinity, Decatur and Somerville, along with some 500 seniors from across the state, came to Oxford to compete.  The men and women age 50+ also came to have fun and enjoy the fellowship that is so vital to the success of these games.

Morgan County Seniors brought home 32 medals including 18 first, 8 second, and 6 third place in games such as basketball free throw, billiards, checkers, dominoes, Frisbee & Nerf Throw, horseshoes, Rook, shuffleboard, softball throw and table tennis.

The top winners for the men were Horace Plemons with eight first and one third place medals, as well as Earnest Lee with five first and two second place medals. For the women, Faye Williams brought home two first and two second place medals, and Sarah Plemons brought home a second and two third place medals.

Perhaps one of the biggest winners was Dorene Hannah who brought home a first place medal in dominoes, but who was also awarded the District 2 All Star Award.

Mrs. Hannah stated, “I enjoy the people because they are so nice and friendly.  It’s made me and my life better, especially since my husband passed away.  You got to enjoy life to keep living and this helps me do that.”

Morgan County belongs to District 2 which includes Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall and Morgan Counties.  Events are played by age and gender groups and officiated by the Masters Games Board of Directors. The next district games will be in Huntsville next July.  Anyone 50 and older can participate.

Masters Games of Alabama is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for active adults ages 50 and older through social, mental, and physical activities.

Those interested in participating in the Masters Games can contact Heather Belz at NARCOG at (256) 355-4515 to register or for additional information.  NARCOG supports the District 2 Masters Games.