The Raleigh-Wake Senior Games are proof that no matter what your age, victory can still be a thrill.

Just ask David Hjelmeland, who competed in table tennis at the Cary Senior Center in Bond Park on Friday.

Hjelmeland said he was state champion for his age group when he lived in Atlanta.

On Friday he was on his way to the next round after winning three straight games against his opponent, Tho Le, in the 60-64 age group.

“He’s pretty good — a lot tougher than you normally get in the first round,” Hjelmeland said of his opponent.

The Raleigh-Wake Senior Games, held March 31-April 25 at various local venues, is an annual competition that includes not only sports but arts as well.

Participants can can sign up for everything from swimming to bowling to literary and fine arts competitions.

“It’s his thing,” said Rita Jespersen of her husband Otto, who’s been playing table tennis since the couple moved to Cary about 15 years ago.

“He’s a good teacher, too. He helps people who need it,” Jespersen said.

Winners in various local events go on to compete at the state level in the fall.

Last year more than 600 seniors competed in the Raleigh-Wake games.

“I think it’s a combination of the physical and social,” said Sam Trogden, program specialist at the Cary Senior Center, who ran the table-tennis tournament.

“They get a lot out of it. It gives them something to train for. Some practice every week, and not just for [table tennis],” Trogden said.

The Cary Senior Center hosted the Silver Arts competition this year. The works are on display at the center through April 25, when an artists’ awards reception will be held at 10:30 a.m.

Woodworking, oil paints, pastels, drawing, photography and quilts are among the entries, which already have been judged. First- and second-place winners have the opportunity to enter the state competion in the fall.

Longtime Cary resident Roberta Morgan came away with two blue ribbons in the Heritage Arts portion of the Silver Arts competition: one for a colorful quilt with an animal theme, and another for tole painting.

At 68, she agrees that winning can still be a thrill at any age.

“Oh, it’s a great thrill. I love winning. I save all my ribbons. It’s just exciting,” she said.

“See, we can be old but still talented.”

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