Recreation

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1) Harriet Buss rides her bike during the cycling 5K at the Senior Games Monday at the Sports Complex. 2) Tynashia Garrett from Red Oak Middle School swims in the Middle School Girls 25 yard race during the Adaptive Swimming Championships at the Harrison Family YMCA. 3) Tyrees Wiggins, 11, left, of the Kansas City Monarchs, pulls up his new socks prior to the Buck Leonard League’s opening game at Buck Leonard Park.

By Jessie H. Nunery

The Twin Counties is no doubt a hub of sports.

When area residents turn on the television, they can see area professional athletes such as Brian Goodwin (Washington Nationals), Todd Gurley (Los Angeles Rams), Montrezl Harrell (Los Angeles Clippers) or Tyquan Lewis (Indianapolis Colts) perform against the best players in their respective sports.

It’s likely the next area professional currently is taking part in one of the many leagues or playing in one of the top-notch venues the Twin Counties has to afford its youth.

The Rocky Mount Sports Complex is a major player in baseball, softball and soccer as it holds local, state, regional and national events on most weekends throughout the year. The summer’s Top Gun World Series Baseball tournament brings in a direct estimated economic impact of $1.5 million.

“It is our belief that the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation’s facilities encourages active participation by all youth in a fun and healthy physical activities no matter what their age, interests or ability level,” Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Director Kelvin Yarrell said.

Adding a layer to the area’s prowess as a sports capital of Eastern North Carolina is the construction of the Rocky Mount Event Center, which will hold basketball and volleyball tournaments among its many features.

These are just places to participate, but the number of leagues and opportunities the area has to offer is one of the reasons why such venues exist.

The Harrison Family YMCA and its state-of-the art facility offers a number of programs including swim lessons for various ages and a wealth of adult and youth recreation basketball opportunities.

There is no shortage of baseball opportunities as the Buck Leonard Youth Baseball League affords the chance for minority youth to learn the game.

On a yearly basis, the area is represented by youth baseball teams on the regional and national all-star levels.

Age does not limit recreational activities. The Rocky Mount Senior Center provides health and safety information, educational opportunities, leisure recreational activities and referral services for residents 55 and older.

Listings for the area’s various opportunities are on rockymountnc. gov and harrisonfamilyy.org.

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