Alden and Nan Johnson, of the Scotland County Senior Games, was chosen as the official Torchbearers for the 25th Anniversary North Carolina Senior Games State Finals Opening Ceremonies.

The Johnsons have been dedicated, committed and involved in Senior Games since 1997, when, after many years of coaching, organizing and participating in a multitude of athletic events throughout their very active lives, they received an invitation to join the Scotland County Senior Games in Laurinburg.

Alden, a lifelong, avid runner and Nan, a real “go getter” in several team sports, had been immersed in the sporting activities of their three active sons before deciding to get involved in the Senior Games. Immediately drawn to the “Fun, Fitness, Fellowship, Friends and Family” that epitomize Senior Games, the Johnsons became NCSG Ambassadors, serve on the Scotland County Senior Games steering committee and are strong advocates for the benefits of a healthy lifestyle . Alden and Nan are stalwarts in their community and participate in many events, showing that older persons can still be active, make an effort to stay healthy and have lots of fun!

The Johnsons are dedicated supporters of NC Senior Games and are members of the Spirit Club. When asked what the program means to them, Nan reflected that “How fortunate we are to live in a state that had the foresight to realize that there is an abundance of energy, knowledge and experience in the retired segment of our society. We, NCSG participants, are real role models that exemplify ‘The Spirit of Senior Games’ …..[we] have experienced the thrill and excitement of competition, the honor of wearing the gold and most of all the happy, hardy hellos….as old and new friends from the mountains to the coast try to be the first to welcome, congratulate and greet with a hug.” Truly, the Spirit of Senior Games can have no more articulate voice.

Alden and Nan Johnson walked the torch in front of nearly 3,000 athletes and artists at the Senior Games State Finals Opening Ceremonies on Sept. 24 in the Cary at WakeMed Soccer Stadium.