The theme for this year was “Homecoming” because the first Masters Games were held in Oxford, Alabama twenty four years ago in 1989!
The Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) participants are divided into nine districts. Fairfield is in District 5 which includes Walker, Cullman, Jefferson, Shelby, and Chilton counties. Participants must first compete in their district games to qualify for the State MGA. The Fairfield Swinging Seniors had twenty (20) participants in the State Masters Games of Alabama this year. They brought back nine Gold, seven Silver, 10 Bronze, and 20 Other Medals (Line Dancing & Fun Walk). Each one came back with at least one medal! They had competitors in Golf, Basketball Free Throw, ROOK cards, Shuffleboard, Dominoes, Table Tennis, Bowling, Swimming, Nerf & Frisbee Throw and the 5K Run,
Two of our seniors received special recognition at the Awards Banquet. Neither of them were aware beforehand of their selection. Johnny Payne was chosen to receive the ALL-STAR Award which recognizes a person who has participated in the Masters Games for many years, and has won many medals. This was Johnny’s eighth year to be a State qualifier. He has competed in Nerf/Frisbee, Dominoes, ROOK, Shuffleboard, Double Dominoes, Line Dancing, Basketball Free Throw and Bowling, which is his favorite event. This year he won a Bronze medal. His daughter was a surprise guest to share this honor with him. The Homecoming Queen for District 5 was Vallie Tutt. She was completely surprised! “Val” was presented with a special corsage at the Awards Banquet. Several of her family members drove up to share this special occasion with her.
Our Fairfield Swinging Seniors Line Dance group was invited to perform the last night of the MGA during dinner. Although they finished 2nd in the district competition, they received a champions’ ovation compared to the other line dance groups that performed! They were presented special medals.
The members of the Fairfield State MGA team are: Glennon Bazzle, Myrna Moline Bazzle, Ann Carson, John Carson, Lula Echols, Gloria Garrett, Olivia Gray, Otis Grayson, Maxine Judkins, Ireatha Manning, Barry Patton, Johnny Payne, Eusebia Sanderson, Louise Sanderson, Vallie Tutt and Linda Vinson.
The line dancers are: Ann Carson, John Carson, Lula Echols, Maple Elrige, Patsy Harris, Myrna Moline, Mary Mathews, Eusebia Sanderson, Louise Sanderson, Linda Vinson and Cecelia Williams.
