Durham Senior Games: Dr. Gooche's Story
By: Cynthia Booth, Senior Public Affairs Analyst
How long have you participated in Durham Senior Games?
I started participating in the games about 21 years ago. When I retired from Durham Technical Community College in 2000, I started getting involved in everything.
Why did you decide to get involved in the Durham Senior Games?
Initially, I did not know anything about Durham Senior Games (DSG). I was at the YMCA, saw the invitation flyer, and started inquiring about it. Staff at the YMCA noticed that I was excited about DSG and asked if I would like to help them. I told them that I would, and they submitted my name to be a DSG ambassador.
They sent me to the ambassador's training conference in Wilmington, North Carolina, and it was fascinating. During the training, I was intrigued by the limited number of minorities that participated in the games. I wanted to get involved so that I could help diversify the games and get more people involved. I felt it essential because seniors need to maintain physical and mental activity levels to keep their bodies healthy.
Shortly after, I started working with Durham Parks and Recreation staff, and we established a partnership so that we could make the games stronger in Durham more productive. Durham had lost its sanction, and we thought by working together, we could rebuild DSG in Durham after fulfilling the sanctioning requirements of the North Carolina Senior Games.
Not only did we get our sanction back, but participation has grown by leaps and bounds. Last year (January 2020), DSG Coordinator Bridgette Robinson, was recognized at the North Carolina Senior Games Local Coordinators Conference for having the largest increase in participants over the three years in the large senior games category. We've come a long way!
What is your favorite thing about Durham Senior Games?
I enjoy the game's physical and mental components because it keeps our minds and bodies in tac. If you don't use it, you lose it. The DSG's mantra is very relevant because, "…You don't stop playing because you grow old…you grow old because you stop playing."
I also enjoy the fellowship with all of the participants and the non-participants alike. I specifically love the overall spirit of the games because we are one big family. Not only do we get to know each other, but we also get to know the families of the participants and look forward to seeing each other every year.
Why should others get involved?
It allows you to show your competitive side, and by doing that, you are more mentally alert. The games are set up so that you compete with people in your age bracket, and it's interesting. You have two 90-year-olds in track and field, and they are each trying to outrun each other.
How will you prepare for the games during the pandemic?
My activity is cheerleading. We will not be competing because of the pandemic. We are not able to social distance in cheerleading – it doesn't work. With the cheering, it's a safety issue. I will attend all of the sports being more of a spectator and encourage others.
Can you share a fond memory about the games?
I am reminded of two 90-year-old participants who competed in the state games. They were boyfriend and girlfriend. She stopped smoking in her late 60's and started participating in senior games. She started walking, and running, and then competing. She won a medal for track and field and was featured as the centerfold in a local news magazine. Her boyfriend told people that he was dating a centerfold, and she didn't even have to take her clothes off. I thought that was quite amusing.
Another fond memory was of a long jumper from Raleigh who would show up at the games in a tuxedo. He would jump 20 inches and always win the gold because nobody was competing against him. I also enjoy watching Mrs. Flecia Hatch who competes in the DSG Track and Field Events. She is in her 90’s and competes every year!
Check out the feature of Dr. Gooch at the Senior Cheerleaders | Durham Divas 6- Second Docs on YouTube. Learn more about Dr. Gooche's story produced by In The Know on May 27, 2020.
2021 Durham Senior Games
Registration for Durham Senior Games ends April 2. The games will be held on April 26-May 18, 2021. Visit our website for more information and registration details.
Recently I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Louise Gooche, a long time participant and supporter of the North Carolina and Durham Senior Games. She is the past Chairman of the Board of Directors with the North Carolina State Senior Games and is an educational trainer for the ambassadors in North Carolina, serving on the local coordinator's committee. She is elated because she can be involved on a state and local level and talk to people about participating in the games – specifically in Durham.
Dr. Gooche is also a colon cancer survivor and being a cheerleader was on her bucket list so she started the Durham Senior Diva's N Dudes squad. She learned how to do a split at 62. She is proud of the fact that the topper on their pyramid is in her 80's and can climb to a full stand. She said, “…age is but a number, and we don't let numbers stop us. I am 78, and I am still doing pretty good.” Here's Dr. Gooche's Senior Games story...
How long have you participated in Durham Senior Games?
I started participating in the games about 21 years ago. When I retired from Durham Technical Community College in 2000, I started getting involved in everything.
Why did you decide to get involved in the Durham Senior Games?
Initially, I did not know anything about Durham Senior Games (DSG). I was at the YMCA, saw the invitation flyer, and started inquiring about it. Staff at the YMCA noticed that I was excited about DSG and asked if I would like to help them. I told them that I would, and they submitted my name to be a DSG ambassador.
They sent me to the ambassador's training conference in Wilmington, North Carolina, and it was fascinating. During the training, I was intrigued by the limited number of minorities that participated in the games. I wanted to get involved so that I could help diversify the games and get more people involved. I felt it essential because seniors need to maintain physical and mental activity levels to keep their bodies healthy.
Shortly after, I started working with Durham Parks and Recreation staff, and we established a partnership so that we could make the games stronger in Durham more productive. Durham had lost its sanction, and we thought by working together, we could rebuild DSG in Durham after fulfilling the sanctioning requirements of the North Carolina Senior Games.
Not only did we get our sanction back, but participation has grown by leaps and bounds. Last year (January 2020), DSG Coordinator Bridgette Robinson, was recognized at the North Carolina Senior Games Local Coordinators Conference for having the largest increase in participants over the three years in the large senior games category. We've come a long way!
I enjoy the game's physical and mental components because it keeps our minds and bodies in tac. If you don't use it, you lose it. The DSG's mantra is very relevant because, "…You don't stop playing because you grow old…you grow old because you stop playing."
I also enjoy the fellowship with all of the participants and the non-participants alike. I specifically love the overall spirit of the games because we are one big family. Not only do we get to know each other, but we also get to know the families of the participants and look forward to seeing each other every year.
Why should others get involved?
It allows you to show your competitive side, and by doing that, you are more mentally alert. The games are set up so that you compete with people in your age bracket, and it's interesting. You have two 90-year-olds in track and field, and they are each trying to outrun each other.
How will you prepare for the games during the pandemic?
My activity is cheerleading. We will not be competing because of the pandemic. We are not able to social distance in cheerleading – it doesn't work. With the cheering, it's a safety issue. I will attend all of the sports being more of a spectator and encourage others.
I am reminded of two 90-year-old participants who competed in the state games. They were boyfriend and girlfriend. She stopped smoking in her late 60's and started participating in senior games. She started walking, and running, and then competing. She won a medal for track and field and was featured as the centerfold in a local news magazine. Her boyfriend told people that he was dating a centerfold, and she didn't even have to take her clothes off. I thought that was quite amusing.
Another fond memory was of a long jumper from Raleigh who would show up at the games in a tuxedo. He would jump 20 inches and always win the gold because nobody was competing against him. I also enjoy watching Mrs. Flecia Hatch who competes in the DSG Track and Field Events. She is in her 90’s and competes every year!
2021 Durham Senior Games
Registration for Durham Senior Games ends April 2. The games will be held on April 26-May 18, 2021. Visit our website for more information and registration details.
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