Mask-a-Rade: Annual Durham Police Vs Seniors Olympic Challenge Is Going Curbside

Durham, NC – Durham’s popular Police vs. Seniors Olympic Challenge is going curbside this year in the form of a Mask-a-Rade.  This long-standing, friendly rivalry between the patrons of the Durham Center for Senior Life (DCSL) and officers of the Durham Police Department (DPD) will take place this year on Thursday, October 29, 11 am to 1:30 pm in the center’s parking lot (406 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham, NC 27701).

The Police vs. Seniors Mask-a-Rade is a drive-through competition. Seniors and police officers will compete in no-contact activities safely and conveniently from their vehicles. There will be competitions in Spades, Table Tennis, Chess, Cornhole, Name That Tune, Trivia, and Dominoes.  COVID precaution guidelines will be followed.

Here’s how the games will commence this year:  Seniors and police officers will drive to five activity stations. One DCSL staff member and one police officer will host the stations from opposite sides of the six-foot table. Participants play by responding to a timed question- and- answer activity to earn points for their respective team; Police or Seniors.  In addition, participants are encouraged to decorate their regular face masks for an opportunity to win points for their team and an honorable mention. Points will be tallied at the end of the event and announced at the event and on the social media pages of both agencies.

“Some of the programs our members have come to know and love are not being offered due to the pandemic,” says DCSL Program and Volunteer Coordinator Janae Brown. “In light of the resilience we’ve seen in our community and beyond, we’ve shifted and turned a challenge into a triumph.” Brown adds, “In the midst of so much uncertainty, it was important for us to maintain a sense of community and belonging for our members. “They really appreciate the presence of the officers and enjoy their company when they visit the center.”

DCSL Executive Director Seanyea Rains says, “We hope this event will bring a sense of joy and excitement for officers and seniors alike.”

DPD’s Community Services Division serves as the lead collaborating partner for the Police vs. Seniors Olympic Challenge each year. “Especially during these unprecedented times, it’s important that we cultivate, maintain and strengthen police-community relationships,” states Capt. Tammy Restrepo, commander of the division. “We’ve pivoted to virtual program offerings, drive-through events, and a few outings with social distancing logistics to maintain connections with the various demographics we serve. It is mutually gratifying to support residents like the Durham youth in our PAL and Explorers programs, Citizen Police Academy participants, Special Olympics partners, and our beloved Olympic rivals at the Durham Center for Senior Life. Let the games begin!”

Last year’s competition ended in a tie as follows: