Masters Games of Alabama

PRCM 4090 Campaigns Dr. Lauren Smith

Aashana Vishnani

Ashley Mundy Blake Menke

Haley Bagwell Landrum Isaacson

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 Table of Contents

Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………PAGE

Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………PAGE

Research Section ……………………………………………………………………………PAGE

Client Analysis …………………………………………………………………...…PAGE

Situation Analysis …………………………………………………………………..PAGE

Publics Analysis ……………………………………………………………………PAGE

Planning Section ……………………………………………………………………………PAGE

Implementation Section …………………………………………………………………….PAGE

Backgrounder ……………………………………………………………………….PAGE

Facebook Status Updates …………………………..……………………………….PAGE

Photographs for Facebook Page ……………………………………………………PAGE

Screenshot of YouTube Account Page ………………………...……………………PAGE

Screenshot of Video Collage ……………………………..…………………………PAGE

E-Newsletter Templates …………………………………………………………….PAGE

E-Newsletter How-To Explanation ……………………………………………….PAGE

Sample Email Blasts ………………………...………………………………………PAGE

Press Release: District Games ……………………………..……………………..…PAGE

Press Release: Before State Games ………………………………….…………...…PAGE

Press Release: During State Games ………………………………….…………...…PAGE

Press Release: After State Games …………………………………………..………PAGE

Media Advisory: District Games ………………………………..…………………..PAGE

Media Advisory: State Games ……………………………..………………………..PAGE

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Media Contact List ……………………………………………………………...…PAGE

Feature Story ……………………………………………………………………..…PAGE

Mission Statement …………………………………………………………………..PAGE

Logos and Quote Bank …………………………...…………………………………PAGE

Brochure …………………………………………………………………………….PAGE

Frequently Asked Questions ……………………………..………………………….PAGE

Evaluation Section …………………………………………………………………………..PAGE

Appendices ………………………………………………………………………………….PAGE

Appendix A: 2011 State Games Evaluation Form ……………………………….....PAGE

Appendix B: 2011 State Games Evaluation Form with Results ….………………...PAGE

Appendix C: Target Public Awareness Survey ……………………………………..PAGE

Appendix D: Target Public Awareness Survey With Results ……………………....PAGE

Appendix E: 2012 State Games Survey ………………………………………..…...PAGE

References …………………………………………………………………………………..PAGE

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Executive Summary

For three months, our group has been working vigorously on the Masters Games of

Alabama (MGA) campaign. MGA is an organization dedicated to improving the social and

physical well-being of adults in Alabama ages 50 and older through competitive events at district

and state Games.

The goal of the campaign was to generate awareness of MGA with a younger target

audience and to create a favorable perception within that audience. The public relations efforts of

the organization were minimal for this target public.

Our group’s plan was to penetrate this target public through tactics such as press releases,

a logo, a brochure and sample Facebook posts. Other tactics included creating video testimonials,

a feature story and a mission statement for the organization.

We hope this campaign will increase awareness of MGA within their target public and

create the groundwork for a more unified approach for future public relations efforts.  

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Introduction

Public Relations Campaigns is the senior project course for students in the public

relations curriculum for the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University. The class is designed

for students to gain real-world experience by applying public relations theories, tactics and

principles they have learned in their classes to a campaign for a client from the local community.

Students select the members of their groups and then are assigned a client to work with

throughout the semester. After they meet with the client, the students conduct research on the

client, the client’s situation and their target publics. Each group then creates a campaign

reflecting their research and what suggestions they would give their client to address their

problem or opportunity.

Our group consisted of Aashana Vishnani, Ashley Mundy, Blake Menke, Haley Bagwell

and Landrum Isaacson. We were assigned to work with Alison Hall from the Masters Games of

Alabama (MGA), an organization devoted to encouraging activity in adults ages 50 and older

both physically and socially. MGA generates interest in activity by hosting district and state level

competitions each year. The organization has a board of directors comprised of members of the

Area Agency on Aging and parks and recreation departments across the state, but relies heavily

on volunteer support to operate actual events.

Ms. Hall, a board member for MGA and the community and special programs director for

the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, believed a problem existed for MGA in trying to

attract younger participants for the state and district Games. As the age restrictions have recently

been adjusted to include a younger age bracket, Ms. Hall believed that MGA needed to place a

concentrated effort on engaging that audience. Ms. Hall remained the client contact throughout

the semester and advised us on ideas for the campaign.

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After meeting with Ms. Hall, our group conducted surveys of members of the target age

group to determine how best to go about reaching the organization’s goal of increasing

awareness within this new target audience. The survey results indicated an overwhelming lack of

awareness about MGA and the mission of the organization. Our research was completed by

analyzing our client, the organization’s history and culture, the situation they faced and their

publics.

Once the research portion was concluded, the group created multiple tactics to increase

awareness within the target public. Because the client works with volunteers on many levels

across the state, our group first focused on unifying the message delivered statewide by creating

a mission statement, logo, e-newsletter template and slogan for MGA. We also generated press

releases, media advisories, video testimonials, a brochure, a feature story and sample Facebook

posts for our client.

Our group hopes our campaign will create an increased level of awareness of MGA on a

state level and consequently increase the participation of younger publics. We would like to see a

significant number of 50- to 55-year-olds participating in the state Games in October 2013.

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Research

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Client Analysis

Organizational History and Goals

The Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) is an organization that was created in 1990 by

the parks and recreation department in Oxford, Ala. The Games are co-sponsored by the Area

Agency on Aging for East Alabama. According to the East Alabama Regional Planning and

Development Commission (EARPDC) website, which currently hosts the Web page for MGA,

the “Masters Games of Alabama is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy

lifestyles for active adults age 50 and over through social, mental, and physical activities (East

Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, 2010).” The state of Alabama is

divided into nine districts for the Games, and qualifying events are held in each district before

the annual state Games are held in October. To participate in the Games, one must be at least 50

years of age. The average number of participants ranges from 600-800 each year.

The EARPDC Web page for the Games says that “while the games provide an Olympic-

type atmosphere, the focus is not on competition, but fun and fellowship (East Alabama Regional

Planning and Development Commission, 2010).” The current goals of MGA are to keep seniors

active, social, healthy and “going.” The future goals of MGA are to attract more participants

from the ages of 50-65 and to promote the Games statewide.

The Organization’s Opportunity

As we sat down to meet with our client contact for the first time, it was abundantly clear

that the organization has enough issues and opportunities that it could benefit from multiple

public relations campaigns. Ms. Alison Hall, our client contact, mentioned that because the

Games are overseen by nonprofit organizations and run by volunteers, the workers are spread out

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across the state and it is difficult to know how to cohesively promote the event on both a district

and statewide level.

However, Ms. Hall mentioned an opportunity she sees for the organization. The

organization’s goal is to attract more members in the younger age group and encourage them to

participate in the Games. While the Games are open to everyone 50 years of age and older, the

younger portion of this age group (50-55 years of age) has not been able to participate prior to

this year, and the next portion of this age group (55-60 years of age) has had few participants in

the past. Ms. Hall believes there are two main reasons for the low participation. The first is that

many people in the younger age group are still working and, due to past branding, consider the

Games to be for “seniors” and therefore not applicable to themselves. The idea of attending a

“senior” event is not something that interests many people in this age group. The second reason

Ms. Hall thinks there is low participation is that members of the younger age group are more

technologically and socially savvy than some of their older counterparts, and MGA currently has

many members on its board that do not believe the event needs to be advertised on social media.

Consequently, they are having a difficult time reaching their target audience members with

traditional media instead of using the social media options available to them.

After pinpointing these two issues, our team decided that our campaign will focus on

creating material that can be used to attract members of this younger age group to the Games.

We want to be sure the material can be used not only for traditional media outlets like

newspapers and magazines, but for social media outlets as well. We have already discussed a

“rebranding” effort with our client and will create several new logos and catchphrases for her to

pick from and develop with us for this district. Our ultimate goal is that our material will be

accepted and implemented statewide.

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Organization’s Culture

The culture of MGA is primarily influenced by a board of directors, which is the top of

the chain of command. The board consists of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and

representatives from each district. Approximately half of the board members come from the Area

Agency on Aging (AAA), which falls under the State Department and is a branch under the

Council on Government Systems. The other half of the board comes from parks and recreation

departments in each district of the state. East Alabama falls under District 6. Each district is in

charge of its own qualifying events for the Games, but different Alabama cities may bid for the

opportunity to host the state Games. Once a city is chosen, it hosts the Games for two

consecutive years. Each district or city uses its own system of organizing volunteers; for

example, Florence turns to the University of North Alabama for college volunteers in its

community.

The culture of MGA affects the campaign because the board of directors must vote on

any major changes, especially those regarding the budget. For example, the board recently

agreed to provide a budget to develop a website specifically for MGA. If there are any major

changes to or monetary needs for the campaign, the board must approve the changes first. In

addition, the importance of social media in this campaign may be undermined, since many of the

board members are not as avid social media users as the target publics. Furthermore, because

members of the board of directors come from many different districts, they each try to use their

own public relations tactics in their particular district, creating a disjointed approach across the

state.

Public Relations Efforts

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Public relations efforts are compromised in the current Games because of limited funding

and a lack of cohesion in messages presented among districts. Our client does believe that

consolidated public relations efforts would be a valuable addition to the Games. Our client also

believes that a campaign in the months between the Games would draw more attention and

attendance.

According to Ms. Hall, the past public relations efforts have been limited and

unsuccessful. Because MGA is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization, funding has been

limited. In the past, each district has been responsible for its own publicity of the Games, which

has caused inconsistency in the messages that have been released to the public. Most districts

have published press releases and fliers, but the majority of their public relations efforts have

occurred after the Games.

Ms. Hall felt that many seniors do not recognize the logo and what the organization

represents due to the inconsistencies in past public relations efforts. Many previous efforts in

several districts consisted solely of a board member calling a local newspaper to get a photo on

the front page after the event was over. Ms. Hall, on the other hand, has a working relationship

with many of the local newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations in the District 6 area

and works through her personal contacts from her parks and recreation department job to reach

many of her audiences. Her efforts have been relatively successful, however, much of the

participation in MGA is still composed of veteran participants. Awareness, when it is created, is

usually helped heavily through a city’s parks and recreation department or senior programs. The

organization has not seen a cohesive, statewide strategy for promotion in its past public relations

efforts.

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As part of its current public relations efforts, MGA is working toward having a local

magazine produce the program book given to each participant of the Games. This partnership

could mean an increase in local companies’ ads and a more professional representation of the

Games. The details of the partnership are still developing, but according to Ms. Hall, this is the

newest addition to the public relations efforts that are going on for this year’s Games.

The organization is also working with a Web developer to create a separate website for

its event instead of relying on a Web page hosted on various local government websites across

the state. The website may also include a quarterly e-newsletter for any past, present or future

participants of the Games and will be available for the 2013 State Games.

Client Needs and Resources

Ms. Hall believes the methods of reaching the target audience for the Games needs to

develop with their changing target audience. She wants MGA to be distinguishable from its

competitors and to embrace using different media vehicles to engage all members of their

audience. Ms. Hall also believes a new logo, slogan and color scheme could help boost

awareness and allow for a revived organization.

Each district is in charge of its own qualifying events for the Games. Our campaign will

be developed with the purpose of creating a consistent brand for materials distributed throughout

the state; however, the details on these materials can easily be adjusted to reflect state or district

information. Ms. Hall intends to first implement this campaign in District 6 before launching the

materials statewide.

The organization has limited funding for public relations and promotion efforts. The

budget presents an issue due to the requirement that all funding allocations must be approved by

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the organization’s board members. Without access to funding, our team will be using resources

already available to the client as well as developing resources for the future.

Ms. Hall created a Facebook page for the organization, but it has not been consistently

maintained in the past. The team plans to use this social media outlet as a part of our campaign

for increasing awareness of the organization in younger target audience members. The website

that is currently being developed for MGA will be a focus of our development of public relations

efforts for the future.

The city of Auburn’s senior programs, maintained through the parks and recreation

department, also provide a valuable resource to this campaign. Accessibility to the target publics

will allow team members to receive feedback on what types of promotion efforts are most

effective in attracting the younger age group’s attention and what they would like to see in terms

of raising awareness for MGA. Along with the local senior programs, the volunteers at the

Games receive feedback from surveys filled out by participants of the Games each year. The

team will use these surveys as a resource for creating a campaign tailored to the target publics.

Team Vision

As a team, we feel the public relations efforts for MGA need to be structured in such a

way that they will develop with the generations that will soon become new target audiences and

still reach their current target publics as well. Although the organization is grounded in its

history, the team feels that MGA needs to be rebranded.

Past public relations efforts have been inconsistent in that fliers and other handouts have

had varied information and, at times, different logos for MGA. Recreating the brand for the

organization will provide our client with a consistent standard for its future promotion efforts.

The organization needs a campaign that can be put into place that will include press releases, e-

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newsletters, social media updates and other public relations efforts being implemented for every

cycle of district and state Games. This plan will allow the organization to have consistent public

relations efforts to raise awareness and increase participation with each subsequent year.

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Situation Analysis

The Issue

Because this is the first year that the youngest age bracket (50-55 years old) has been able

to participate, this is the first time the Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) is dealing with the

issue of awareness from them. Seniors who are currently involved in MGA have most likely

been involved in past years. There are many participants in the overall Games, but there is a lack

of participation from the 50- to 60-year-old age range. Many of the 50- to 60-year-old adults are

still working full-time jobs and remain active in the community. Ms. Hall believes these adults

feel as if they are too young to participate in “senior” games and wanted our team to work to

change this perception.

The difficulty in reaching the younger age group is a recent development for MGA. Our

client is concerned with developing new and continuous participation among upcoming target

publics. She believes the public perception of the Games is that they are an event for people who

have already retired, not for those still active in the workforce.

The core issue described by our client is a lack of awareness within target publics and

little to no involvement of the 50-60 age group. Our client knows there are other competitors of

the Games, but does not believe they have a significant influence on the involvement of

participants in the Games. The only relationship affected by this problem, then, is the

relationship between MGA and its participants.

Ms. Hall said the organization's mission statement is that the “Masters Games of

Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for active adults

ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities.” According to this statement,

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the mission of the organization would be harmed if there were no 50-year-olds involved in the

Games.

If new, younger participants do not get involved, there will be a drop in the number of

participants for future Games. According to the 2011 State Games evaluation form and results

provided to us by our client, the average age of the participants is early 70s (see Appendices A

and B), and they are getting older each year. The organization’s mission to promote healthy

lifestyles will not be successful if they have no voice among the younger generation of adults.

Still, MGA remains positive and views this issue as an opportunity to increase the

number of young participants. While they do not have any current public relations efforts and

there has been no research done about the problem, they are satisfied with the current number of

participants they have. Ms. Hall sees this as a campaign to increase awareness and participation

among 50- to 60-year-old adults so there will continue to be a strong number of people involved

in the future.

Ms. Hall feels that research on the competitors and what they offer would be useful.

While Ms. Hall mentioned the Alabama Senior Olympics (ASO) as the only competitor she

knows of, our team did some research and found that the Alabama State Festival (ASF) might

present competition as well. The main issue MGA faces though is not its competitors, but rather

the lack of participation of younger generations. To that end, both our client and our team feel

that research on the awareness and interest of adults ages 50-60 would be vital to the future

success of the Games.

Internal Environment

The communication resources that are available to MGA depend strongly upon personal

contacts. For example, Ms. Hall, who is employed by Auburn Parks and Recreation (AUPR),

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uses many of the same contacts that she has available to her from AUPR to promote MGA. For

Ms. Hall, who represents District 6, these include contacts at local radio and television stations

and editors of local magazines, such as East Alabama Living, Lee Magazine and Auburn-

Opelika Parent. Ms. Hall was quick to point out, however, that she has much better personal

contacts with local media than many of the other MGA board members do in their own districts.

The organization is supportive of public relations efforts, but they do not understand them

well enough to know how to begin to use them. They have, however, started developing their use

of social media and electronic media to generate awareness in future participants.

Because MGA’s product is an event, awareness is crucial to participation in the event.

Ms. Hall believes the Games have a good following with those who are aware of them, but they

need to increase awareness in the younger age groups in order to continue to have participants in

the future.

The quality of the Games is determined primarily through feedback from participants at

the state Games and from the host city’s observations. Those who participate in the Games are

given a survey to fill out and can give feedback at their local senior centers as well. The parks

and recreation director of whatever host city is selected immediately becomes an ex-officio

member of the MGA board for the next two years.

Ms. Hall believes the quality of the Games has stayed the same over the last couple of

years. The host city involved in the most recent Games had some logistical problems that

bothered participants, but that will not be an issue this year because they are in a different city.

The quality of the Games themselves has stayed the same as well, but Ms. Hall is concerned

about the potential decline if they continue to have issues attracting new participants.

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Ms. Hall believes the Games offer fitness, activity, travel and social opportunities. She

thinks the social aspect and the travel aspect of the Games are some of the biggest benefits to

participants.

One major disadvantage the Games have is the logistical concern of the host city

changing every two years. This can be seen as both a positive and a negative aspect of the

Games, as moving the host city for the Games may make them farther away for one senior, but

can also bring them closer to another. This movement also brings in the concern of expenses for

the seniors and is a major reason MGA tries to keep their registration costs low.

Another disadvantage is that compared to the ASO, MGA’s biggest competitor, Ms. Hall

believes MGA is not as well-recognized, especially on a national level.

MGA offers more events for seniors who are not able to be as physically active, which

allows them to offer more events for competitors than the ASO. MGA tailors some of their

events to their older participants and allows them to remain active through the limitations that

may develop with age. Another advantage for MGA is they try to keep the cost of competing in

the Games as low as possible. Other organizations charge higher registration fees and have

additional costs, but MGA has always tried to stay affordable for its publics.

Ms. Hall thinks MGA could offer more and varied kinds of activities, but they are staying

in touch with the requests of their clientele and are responsive to their requests. For instance,

MGA will be debuting two new events this year — Wii Bowling and Pickleball, a modified

version of tennis and racquetball. They also include games that are competitive for some of their

younger participants – golf, tennis and swimming are all sports that could be popular with their

newest target public.

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According to Ms. Hall, the Games are going to change slowly because of the board’s

traditional mindset and their lack of funds. However, they are working on moving to a more

interactive and online approach. They are currently developing a website and are working to

create more cohesive messages statewide for the Games next year.

MGA has a good relationship with the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and the Senior

Citizen Centers, but they need to develop their relationship with parks and recreation

departments. Ms. Hall views those departments as an untapped resource for reaching out to

younger and upcoming participants.

External Environment

After doing research, we discovered two other organizations in Alabama that offer

similar services and benefits to individuals ages 50 and older. These organizations are the ASF

and the ASO, which is closely associated with the National Senior Games Association (NSGA).

MGA’s competitors vary in both size and event structure. ASO offers 19 different sports

in which seniors can compete. The Senior Olympics are divided according to the sport, which

differs from MGA’s structure that uses age classification (Alabama Senior Olympics, 2012). A

representative said the number of participants range from 250-300; however, this number varies

from year to year. In contrast to the large scale of ASO, ASF is a youth focused event that has

events open to seniors if they wish to compete. According to a representative, 50-100 seniors

compete in the event.

According to an article on www.wsfa.com, the Governor’s Commission on Physical

Fitness and Sports sponsors ASO (Davis, 2012). In addition to this sponsor, ASO is recognized

on a national level, which generates a positive reputation at the state level. With ASF, awareness

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of events for seniors is not as high as for youth events. However, ASF is well-known in the state,

occurs yearly and is also endorsed by the Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness.

ASO does not use social media; however, the NSGA, which is the parent organization to

ASO, uses Facebook, Twitter and an email newsletter (National Senior Games Association,

2010). NSGA has a well-built website, but the ASO website is difficult to navigate.

The ASO has a long list of sponsors, including “Downtown YMCA, Southeast YMCA,

East YMCA, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department, Area

Agencies on Aging, Brunswick-Woodmere Lanes, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, River Region

Track & Running Club, Huntingdon College, Auburn Montgomery Wellness Program, Selma

Parks & Recreation Department, Haynes Ambulance and Prattville Department of Leisure

Services” (Davis, 2012). ASF also has a number of sponsors, including AT&T, Alabama State

University and the Governor’s Commission (ASF Foundation, 2012).

The winners of ASO go to the National Games, which will be held in Cleveland next

summer. According to the website, more than 13,000 people will compete at the national level

next summer. This creates an incentive for seniors to do well at the state level so they can have

an opportunity to travel and meet thousands of other seniors (National Senior Games

Association, 2010). ASF offers an opportunity for youth to compete, which means youth can

compete alongside their grandparents and develop that relationship. There are also more track

events offered, including a 10K race.

According to a representative for the Alabama Physical Fitness Commission,

participation for ASO has decreased in the last few years due to the economy. An additional

factor for varying participation is the entrance fee. The $35 fee, paired with the economy and its

impact on individuals’ finances, may result in some seniors being unable to participate.

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The National Olympics will be held in Cleveland in 2013, and the 2015 National

Olympics are scheduled to be held in Minnesota. There is not much information about how

these games will change in the next three years, on the state or national level (National Senior

Games Association, 2010).

Although there are no external groups with a mission to hinder what MGA does, the

board sometimes hinders the organization’s public relations efforts because it may not be

knowledgeable enough to be supportive of some of the efforts. The board controls the funding,

so the board can turn down public relations initiatives that require money. For example, the

board only recently approved a budget for the website, and it had been turned down in the past.

SWOT Matrix

Strengths: • Supportive of public relations efforts • Already has an audience to draw from

 

Weaknesses: • Not aware of how to plan, use or

implement public relations efforts • Lack of social media • Lack of control over Web media • Lack of control over funding • Lack of participation from the 50-60

generation • Not a well-known brand name • Often gets confused with its opponents

 Opportunities:

• Many local resources, including radio, television and print

• New website being developed • The ability to use Facebook as a tool • Many senior centers from which to

draw participants • Many other areas from which to draw

the 50-60 age group  

Threats: • Alabama Senior Olympics is a major

competitor • Lack of support for public relations

efforts from the board of MGA • Current audience is “dying” off and is

unable to participate any longer because of immobility, inability to travel or death  

   

We will have a Weakness-Opportunity campaign.

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Publics Analysis

Target Publics

In an effort to stay competitive with other similar organizations, the Masters Games of

Alabama (MGA) has expanded their age of eligibility for this year’s state Games. MGA added

the 50-55 age group, which, according to our client, is an age bracket offered by similar

organizations on local, state and national levels. With this addition in mind, the client identified

the target public as adults ages 50-60, regardless of any prior knowledge they may or may not

have of the organization.

Because approximately half of this target public may consist of first-time participants of

MGA, research on the target publics does not exist. This target public has heretofore not been

able to participate in the Games, so no previous communications and public relations efforts for

this target public exist either. MGA is therefore unable to determine the public’s awareness,

knowledge or beliefs about the organization. The client was, however, able to provide us with

surveys that were distributed by MGA to participants of the 2011 State Games.

Our group designed a survey (see Appendix C) to gauge the target public’s views on

staying active both socially and physically. The survey also contained several questions for

respondents that were used to determine both the level of awareness about the organization and

what reputation, if any, MGA had with its target public. The group surveyed 58 individuals

across the state of Alabama.

Organization’s Reputation with Target Publics

The client’s perception of MGA’s reputation with the target public was that MGA is

viewed negatively, and the target public believes they are “too young” to compete in an event for

seniors. However, based on the results from the survey (see Appendix D) distributed by the

group, a large majority of the respondents, 74 percent, did not have any awareness of the

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organization. This lack of awareness does not allow for either a positive or negative reputation.

The results from the survey given at the 2011 State Games showed that MGA’s reputation was

overwhelmingly positive. However, the majority of respondents were outside of the age range of

our target public.

Previous Public Relations Strategies and Their Effectiveness with Target Publics

As previously mentioned, 2012 is the first year that the 50-55 age group is eligible to

compete. The lack of this age group’s presence prior to 2012 meant that previous promotional

efforts have not been specific to the target public. Overall, previous public relations tactics were

not effective. The client expressed that many promotional materials were inconsistent across the

districts and did not provide a clear organizational purpose or goal for the Games. Additionally,

the previously identified issue of limited funding has contributed to the ineffectiveness of past

efforts. Even when working with a limited budget, it is important to allocate funding for public

relations efforts. A poorly-funded public relations campaign can easily create disjointed

materials and does not provide the ability for continued positive presence in front of target

publics.

Regarding its communication strategies, MGA has successfully used local senior centers,

parks and recreation departments and the Area Agency on Aging as means to provide

information to publics. The organization’s reputation has been positively influenced by word-of-

mouth communication. The client expressed that many of the Games’ participants have been

involved and competing with MGA for many years. These returning publics share their

experiences with other individuals they encounter outside of the Games. MGA has a loyal

following of participants; however, as these participants age and are no longer able to compete,

MGA must recruit younger participants.

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With the rapid growth of social media as a means of communication, our group wanted to

stress the importance of this channel for the target public. According to the survey results, social

media is increasing in popularity in 50- to 60-year-olds, especially for women.

MGA does not currently view social media as a key communication method. However,

the organization does have both Facebook and Twitter accounts created to promote the Games

and provide information to fans and followers. It is apparent that MGA must further develop this

method of communication in order to connect with their current target public. Our group views

social media as an important indicator of an organization’s reputation among its publics.

MGA needs to adjust their communication and promotion strategies based on the target

public. Of the respondents that said they worked out every day, most were retired. This fact

shows that many active adults over 50 could be reached through senior centers offering active

events and social activities. Therefore, it could be beneficial to promote the Games to younger

target publics in health clubs or gyms such as the YMCA.

In our opinion, MGA needs to place a stronger focus on streamlining its public relations

efforts so they can be recognized statewide. The lack of cohesion in the past paired with minimal

promotion efforts has led to confusion about the organization’s goals and what it offers to the

public.

Results from Group Survey

Our group created a survey designed to determine the target public’s perception and

awareness of MGA. The survey contained demographic questions to allow the team to determine

if age, occupation or gender had any effect on an individual’s level of activity during and after

retirement.

25  

There were 58 respondents between ages 50 and 92. Of the respondents, 62.1 percent

were in the 50-59 age range; 10.3 percent were in the 60-64 age range; 8.6 percent were in the

65-69 age range; 6.9 percent were in the 70-74 age range; 3.4 percent were in the 75-79 age

range and 10.3 percent were 80 and older.

The respondents were asked about their employment status. This question was used to

determine how active the respondents were leading up to and following retirement. The surveys

showed that 53.4 percent of the respondents work full-time, 3.4 percent of respondents work

part-time; 6.9 percent of respondents do not currently work and 36.2 percent of respondents are

retired. When compared to the question about how often they worked out, respondents that

answered every day were either retired or not working. The majority of respondents that work

full-time, 61.2 percent, responded that they work out a few times per month or never.

According to the surveys, 72.4 percent of respondents were Caucasian; 15.5 percent were

African-American; 10.3 percent were Asian-American and 1.7 percent were Hispanic-American.

The surveys also showed that 67.2 percent of respondents were female and 36.2 percent were

male respondents.

Respondents were also asked about their use of social media, and 46.6 percent of

respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that they used social media as a form of

communication. Meanwhile, 41.3 percent of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed

on their use of social media while 10.3 percent did not agree either way.

When respondents were asked about their awareness of MGA, 74.1 percent of

respondents had no prior knowledge of the organization and what it provides to the public.

The group also wanted to determine how strongly the target publics valued staying both

physically and/or socially active leading up to and following retirement. When asked about the

26  

importance of staying socially active, 85 percent of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed

that this was important. When asked about remaining physically active, 93 percent of

respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that this was important.

Results from Organization Survey

Every year MGA provides a brochure to the participants containing schedules, sponsors

and a survey for them to complete about their experience at the Games. MGA offers a raffle

drawing for a few gift cards as an incentive to complete and return the survey.

The survey asks demographic questions, what events the individual participated in and

for feedback about the event location, facilities and efficiency. The feedback about the location,

facilities and efficiency is returned to the host city so adjustments can be made accordingly for

the next year’s Games.

Last year, at the 2011 State Games, 194 participants responded to and returned the

survey. Not all respondents answered every question on the survey. This discrepancy is reflected

in the results with the percentages calculated based on the number of respondents per question,

which is specified with each question.

Of the 194 participants who took the survey last year, 4.6 percent were in the 55-59 age

range; 10.3 percent were in the 60-64 age range; 19.5 percent were in the 65-69 age range; 23.7

percent were in the 70-74 age range; 20.6 percent were in the 75-79 age range; 11.8 percent were

in the 80-84 age range; and 9.2 percent were 85 and older.

When asked about their work status, 186 responded. Of those, 11.3 percent responded as

being employed, 85.5 percent responded as being retired and 3.2 percent responded as being

semi-retired.

27  

Though about 194 participated in the survey, there were 565 sport participants. This

means each person who took part in the survey participated in more than one event.

Each survey participant was asked what event they took part in, and of the 565

participants in the events, the majority of the participants took part in basketball, Nerf ball,

dominoes, Frisbee, softball and horseshoes.

Of those who rated the registration, 92.9 percent said it was good or better, and 7.1

percent said it was fair or worse. Of those who rated the facilities, 94.4 percent said they were

good or better, and 6.7 said it was fair or worse. Of those who rated the schedule of events, 86.1

percent said it was good or better, and 13.9 percent said it was fair or worse. Of those who rated

the conduct of the staff, 97 percent said it was good or better, and 3 percent said it was fair or

worse. Of those who rated the meals, 79 percent said it was good or better, and 21 percent said it

was fair or worse.

When asked if cost was a deciding factor in participation, 177 people answered. Of those

who responded, 26.6 percent answered “yes” it was a deciding factor and 73.4 percent answered

“no” it was not.

When asked if they would recommend participating in the Games to others, 179

responded. Of those who responded, 98.9 percent responded that “yes” they would recommend it

and 1.1 percent responded that “no” they would not recommend participating in it to others.

When asked if there were any events that were not currently in the Games that they

would like to see added, 84 responded with a suggestion. Of those 84, the majority suggested

including Wii Bowling, pickle ball and hand and foot.

When asked if they are currently using any social media outlets, 63 responded they did

use one of the listed social media outlets. The overwhelming majority said Facebook and

28  

Google +; however, it was apparent that some respondents may have misunderstood “Google+”

to represent their knowledge of how to use “Google.”

When asked how they receive news about district or state Games there were 280

responses. This increased number indicates that those who took the survey received information

from more than one media outlet. Of those who responded to this question, the majority received

information from the local parks and recreation department and their local Area Agency on

Aging.

The participants in the survey were asked to rank the media outlets they prefer in order of

importance. In this section, 144 said they preferred television, 84 said they preferred

newspapers, 42 preferred radio, 40 preferred Internet and 19 preferred magazines.

Our group got a chance to look at the state Games survey and revised it to acquire more

quantitative data out of respondents. Our version (see Appendix E) was used at the 2012 State

Games this year.

29  

Planning  

30  

Planning Section

Strategy

As outlined in our SWOT matrix, we will attack our campaign from a weakness-

opportunity standpoint. This means we will focus on strengthening areas of weakness for the

Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) and on taking advantage of the opportunities the

organization has to improve. This approach is best for MGA and its situation because instead of

defending the organization from external sources of pressure, the campaign will focus on

strengthening it from within and revamping the image it presents to its publics.

Goals

Our goals are primarily focused on reputation management for MGA, but will also be

closely followed by relationship management. Ultimately, MGA is trying to generate awareness

with a younger target audience and to create a favorable perception within that audience.

We are not going to focus on every public for MGA. Our campaign is focusing on the

key public of 50- to 60-year-olds and on delivering the key message that MGA is an engaging

opportunity for adults below 65 to celebrate their physical fitness with peers from across the

state. It is not just for retired “seniors,” but for working adults as well.

Objectives and Tactics

1. To increase MGA’s use of social and Internet media by engaging 200 members of their

key public by the 2013 State Games

a. Increase the number of “Likes” on MGA’s Facebook page from 15 to 200

i. Use information from backgrounder to fill out “about” and “basic info”

section on Facebook page

31  

ii. Link the Facebook page to MGA’s new website, include Facebook page’s

URL in MGA’s e-newsletter

iii. Create sample Facebook status updates to use throughout the year

b. Create and promote video collage of participants discussing their experience at

the Games on MGA’s YouTube account

i. Link video to Facebook and their website

c. Create e-newsletter template for mailing lists

d. Create sample email blasts for four future events

2. To increase MGA’s traditional media promotional efforts by 15 percent in the next six

months

a. Generating three press releases for the 2013 State Games (before, during, after)

b. Generating a sample press release for the districts to announce their upcoming

qualifying events

c. Creating a statewide media contact list - contacts at every major newspapers and

television stations in each district

d. Creating media advisories for the state Games and qualifying district events

e. Writing a feature story about the Games

3. To unify MGA’s state promotional efforts by producing four copy pieces by the end of

this campaign

a. Create an official mission statement for the organization

b. Create a new logo and slogan for MGA

c. Create a brochure to be distributed to all parks and recreation departments, Area

Agency on Aging and senior centers

32  

d. Create an FAQ sheet

33  

Implementation  

34  

Masters Games of Alabama www.mastersgamesalabama.org

 

Backgrounder

Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting

healthy lifestyles for adults ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities. The

Games facilitate physical fitness through good-natured competition, provide an exciting social

atmosphere in which people can develop new relationships and advance mental well-being

through engaging activities.  

Alison Hall, board member for MGA, said participants can expect an atmosphere of

“laughter, excitement and the competitive spirit.”

MGA began in 1990 in Oxford, Ala., as a way to encourage activity in seniors both

physically and socially. Now the state Games take place annually during the month of October in

various cities throughout Alabama.

To compete in the state Games, competitors must qualify at district events during the

summer months. The state is divided into nine districts for this purpose.

To learn more about MGA and what it provides, please visit your local parks and

recreation department, a local senior center or www.mastersgamesalabama.org.

35  

Facebook Status Updates

We created an example plan for how to generate more activity on the Facebook page below.

The week leading up to the Games, post every day about the Games. Also, whenever there is

a deadline approaching (e.g. a registration deadline), post daily about the deadline as well. When

there is not much activity going on, post at least twice a week. This can either be a post about the

Games, an interesting fact or article, or a quote to motivate people to stay healthy.

Sample posts could be:

- Before the Games: Eight days until the state Games! What event are you looking forward

to this year?

36  

- After the Games: Thank you to everyone who made the state Games successful this year!

We hope everyone had a blast!

- Registration: Have you registered for the Games yet? Registration ends this week! Be

sure to send in your registration!

- Day of Games: Today is the day! The state Games kick off at 8 a.m. with a parade

followed by the first events.

- District Games: The District 5 Games begin today! Good luck to everyone competing

from that district!

37  

Photographs for Facebook Page

We went to the 2012 State Games and took several pictures that can be used for the

Facebook page and the new MGA website. Here are a few representatives of the ones we took:

38  

Screenshot of YouTube Account Page

In order to facilitate uploading our testimonial video for our client, we created a YouTube

account for them, seen below.

As YouTube now requires you to sign in with Gmail account information, we set up a generic

email account for them with Gmail as well. The sign-in information is below:

Username: mastersgamesal@gmail.com

Password: MGAlabama

Name: Masters Games

Birthday: Oct. 1, 1990

39  

Gender: other

Mobile phone: 334-501-2940

Current email: ahall@auburnalabama.org

YouTube name: MastersGamesAlabama

40  

 

Screenshot of Video Collage

Our group went to the state Games this year and took several pictures and videos of

participants to be used in advertising on the website or Facebook page. A screenshot of our

testimonial video is below:

 

 

41  

E-Newsletter Templates

Our group also worked to find a resource that could help MGA generate and easily send

out e-newsletters for their audience and participants. The e-newsletters can include the same

information that is found within the press releases and media advisories – important information

on upcoming competitions, locations for qualifying events, etc. – but can also contain fun stories

on participants, letters from the board members or tips on how to stay healthy before

competition.

Important: Before beginning to work in the website to create a newsletter, our client will

need to go to their Gmail inbox and verify their email address.

We created sample e-newsletter templates (seen below) using the website

www.campaignmonitor.com. Information on how to adjust the current samples we have and send

out e-newsletters is located below the pictures. We understand the steps may seem confusing as

they are read out of this book, but once the client is logged in, the directions will make much

more sense.

42  

E-Newsletter How-To Explanation Wesbite: www.campaignmonitor.com

Login email: mastersgamesal@gmail.com

Login password: MGAlabama

Step 1: Import email list gathered from website sign-up

Step 2: Once you have decided to send a newsletter select get started or click on the

“Create & Send” tab on the top left side of the page.

Step 3: Follow the instructions on the page and provide the information necessary to

complete the information the recipients will view when they receive the email.

o For example: You can name your campaign according to the season and

newsletter (i.e., Masters Games of Alabama vol. 1.1).

Step 4: After providing the necessary information and moving to the next step, you can

choose to use a template we have already created for you, import your own template or simply

send an email with plain text.

o Three templates have already been created for you.

o Once you have selected your template, click “next.” If you have chosen a pre-

designed template, you will be able to click a section and edit with information or

pictures of your choice.

o If at any point you decide you have too much or too little information for the

format you have chosen, you can go back in the steps and choose a different

design.

43  

Step 5: Once you have completed the information in your newsletter choose “preview” to

move to the next step. In the section “Who will receive this campaign?” you will select the

recipients for the newsletter. After selecting your recipients you will be able to send your first

newsletter.

If you wish to create a new template or newsletter, click on the templates tab on the top

right side of the page. To change a template, scroll over the settings button on the template

located in the bottom right hand corner. Clicking on this will allow you to duplicate a template to

make changes without losing your original, export a file with a screenshot, html format of the

newsletter, the images used and a zip file.

You can also create a new template from one of the website’s four pre-designed

templates. The following colors were used in creating the templates already provided:

o Red: B31919

o Black: 000000

o White: FFFFFF

o Gray: D9D9D9

You can choose any color you wish to change by clicking through the sections: “Header, Footer,

Content and Sidebar.”

By clicking on the colored square next to the 6-digit color code, you are able to scroll

through many colors and choose which best suits your color scheme for each newsletter.

In addition, the logo used as the header can be changed to simple title. This option is

available under the “Header” section.

After completing the new template, click “Finish & Save Changes” in the top right

corner. This new template will become an option when sending each newsletter.

44  

Sample Email Blasts

We created sample email blasts to be sent to those who signed up for the e-newsletter.

Some sample circumstances and suggestions are listed below.

When registration has opened:

Registration for the district Games is now open! Follow these steps to register:

1. Go to www.mastersgamesalabama.org and click on the “Registration Form” on the home

page.

2. Download the form, fill it out and turn it in to a designated center along with your $10

fee.

3. To find a designated center, go to the “Districts/Eligibility” section and click on your

district.

Email for info about registration – week of deadline:

Have you registered for the district Games yet? Registration ends this week! Registration

paperwork must be turned in to your designated center by this Friday, April 10.

How to register:

1. Go to www.mastersgamesalabama.org and click on the “Registration Form” on the home

page.

2. Download the form, fill it out, and turn it in to a designated center, along with your $10

fee.

45  

3. To find a designated center, go to the “Districts/Eligibility” section and click on your

district.

Email about upcoming district Games:

The District 6 Games are finally here! The following email contains directions, instructions for

the Games and a schedule of events.

Directions to the Games

Address: 555 Happy Lane

Valley, AL 33484

1. From Highway 85, take Exit 10

2. Finish out directions

Instructions

1. Park in the parking lot in the front of the building

2. Be sure to bring your x, y, and z

3. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

Schedule of events

1. 8 – 8:30 a.m. – Registration

2. 8:30 – 9 a.m. – Gathering of the players

3. 9 – 10 a.m. – Horseshoes in the basketball court

4. Finish out schedule

Information email before state Games:

The 2013 State Games are quickly approaching! Here is some helpful information as you plan

your trip to the Games.

46  

Dates of the Games

Hotel information: Hotels that give discounts for the Games and their contact information

Information on sharing rides: if you need a ride to and from the Games from your district, please

contact your district representative. This information is available at

www.mastersgamesalabama.org under the “Districts/Eligibility” section.

Email week of state Games:

The 2013 State Games are finally here! The following email contains directions, instructions for

the Games, and a schedule of events.

Directions to the Games

Address: 555 Happy Lane

Valley, AL 33484

1. From Highway 85, take Exit 10

2. Finish out directions

Instructions

1. Park in the parking lot in the front of the building

2. Be sure to bring your x, y, and z

3. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

Schedule of events

1. 8 – 8:30 a.m. – Registration

2. 8:30 – 9 a.m. – Gathering of the players

3. 9 – 10 a.m. – Horseshoes in the basketball court

47  

4. Finish out schedule

 

48  

(Insert all press releases and media advisories here)

49  

Media Contact List

In order to facilitate distributing the press releases and media advisories that our group

created, we included a media contact list for each district in the state. District 6 is noticeably

larger, as it is Ms. Hall’s personal list for media contacts in the area. It was not adjusted by our

group at all, so as not to disturb her notes for herself. We tried to find two major newspapers, one

television station, one radio station and one magazine contact for each district.

District One Newspapers Lauderdale County TimesDaily.com 256.766.3434 Editorial Lifestyle contacts: Bobby Bozeman - Bobby.bozeman@timesdaily.com, 256.740.5722 Teri Thornton - Teri.thornton@timesdaily.com, 256.740.5742 Lauderdale County News 106 W. 5th St. Tuscumbia, AL 35674 256.383.8476 Colbert County Colbert County News 1414 N. Memorial Parkway Huntsville, AL 35801 http://colbertcounty.waff.com/ Colbert County Reporter 106 W. 5th St. Tuscumbia, AL 256.383.8471 Sheffield News Shoals Insider Muscle Shoals News Lawrence County The Moulton Advertiser 659 Main St. Moulton, AL 256.974.1114 www.moultonadvertiser.com/ Ginger Grantham - editor@moultonadvertiser.com, ginger@moultonadvertiser.com

50  

Winston County Winston County News 205.489.2501 Double Springs, AL 35553 Marion County The Journal Record www.myjrpaper.com 205.921.3104 205.487.3278 jrpaper@centurytel.net Mid-South Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 430 Haleyville, AL 35565 Radio Stations WALW-LP 98.3 FM – Moulton (Lawrence Co.) 531 Walnut St. Moulton, AL 35650 256.905.4400 http://www.walw.org/ Television Stations Lauderdale County WFIQ – PBS station, ch. 36 WHDF – CW21 station, ch.15 – http://www.lbgtv.com/category/233177/valleys-cw

District Two Newspapers Limestone County Limestone County News The News Courier http://enewscourier.com/ 410 W. Green St. Athens, AL 35611 Decatur Daily www.decaturdaily.com/ 201 1st Ave. SE. P.O. Box 2213 Decatur, AL 35609 256.353.4612 Madison County The Huntsville Times 2317 Memorial Parkway SW. Huntsville, AL 855.848.7808 thehuntsvilletimes@htimes.com

51  

http://www.huntsvilletimes.com Speakin’ Out News 115 Wholesale Ave. NE. Huntsville, AL http://www.speakinoutweeklynews.com 256.551.1020 WSmoth3193@aol.com Valley Planet 203 Grove Ave. NW. Huntsville, AL http://www.valleyplanet.com/ info@valleyplanet.com 256.533.4613 Tuff Times Gazette 1011 Oster Drive NW. Huntsville, AL 256.489.4821 Jackson County The Daily Sentinel 701 Veterans Drive Scottsboro, AL 256.259.1020 support@thedailysentinel.com http://thedailysentinel.com/ North Jackson Progress 128 Oak Hill Circle Stevenson, AL http://northjacksonprogress.com/ The DeKalb Advertiser 220 Gault Ave. N. Fort Payne, AL 256.845.6156 Advertiser-Gleam P.O. Box 190 Guntersville, AL 35976 http://www.advertisergleam.com/ news@advertisergleam.com 256.582.3232 Times-Journal 811 Greenhill Blvd. NW. Fort Payne, AL http://times-journal.com/ 256.845.2550

52  

news@times-journal.com Mailing Address: P.O. Box 680349 Fort Payne, AL 35968 Sand Mountain Reporter 1603 Progress Drive Albertville, AL http://www.sandmountainreporter.com/ 256.840.3000 support@sandmountainreporter.com Smith Newspapers Inc. 221 35th St. NE. P.O. Box 680027 Fort Payne, AL 35968 http://www.smithnewspapers.com/ 256.845.5510 Marshall County The Arab Tribune 619 N. Brindlee Mountain Parkway Arab, AL http://www.thearabtribune.com/ 256.931.2705 The Messenger 408 Broad St. Gadsden, AL http://gadsdenmessenger.com/ 256.547.1049 info@gadsdenmessenger.com Blount Countian 217 3rd St. S. Oneonta, AL http://www.blountcountain.com/ Mailing Address: P.O. Box 310 Oneonta, AL 35121 205.625.3231 countian@otelco.net Cullman County Cullman Tribune 219 2nd Ave. SE. Cullman, AL 256.739.1351 Cullman Times 300 4th Ave. SE.

53  

Cullman, AL http://www.cullmantimes.com/ 256.734.2131 Cullman Sense 101 1st Ave. NE. #230 Cullman, AL 35055 http://cullmansense.com news@cullmansense.com 256.297.1TIP cullmansense@cullmansense.com Hartselle Enquirer 407 Chestnut St. NW. Hartselle, AL http://www.hartselleenquirer.com/ 256.773.6566 Morgan County Madison County Record 151 Hughes Road Madison, AL http://www.madisoncountyrecord.com/ 256.772.6677 Erica.slone@madisoncountyrecord.com Laura.samples@madisoncountyrecord.com Radio Stations WAFN-FM – 92.7 FM – Arab (Cullman/Marshall Co.) Fun Media Group 981 N. Brindlee Mountain Parkway Arab, AL 35061 256.586.9300 www.fun927.com WAHR 99.1 FM – Huntsville (Morgan Co.) 1555 The Boardwalk, Suite 1 Huntsville, AL 35816 256.534.9900 256.536.1568 http://rocketcitynews.com/Radio/Star-99.html producerbob@mystar99.com Television Stations WHIQ – Huntsville (WBIQ ch. 10 Birmingham) Alabama Public Television http://www.aptv.org/ Channel 25 WHNT

54  

http://whnt.com/ WHNT News 19 200 Holmes Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801 256.533.1919

District Three Newspapers Lamar County Crossroads Reporter 6820 U.S. Highway 43 Guin, AL 35563 205.468.2554 http://lamarleader.com West Alabama Gazette 466 Columbus St. Millport, AL 205.662.4296 Lamar Leader Inc 55071 AL Highway 17 Sulligent, AL 205.698.8148 http://lamarleader.com Lamar Democrat 125 1st Drive NE. Vernon, AL 205.695.7029 Cattle Today, Inc. 204 Temple Ave. S. Fayette, AL 205.932.8000 Times Record P.O. Drawer 159 Fayette, AL 35555 205.932.3300 http://www.mytrpaper.com/ trnews@centurytel.net Journal Record 320 Bankhead Highway Winfield, AL 205.921.3104 205.487.3278 http://myjrpaper.com/ jrpaper@centurytel.net

55  

Tuscaloosa News 315 28th Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 205.345.0505 http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/ Fayette County The Crimson White 923 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 205.348.6144 Daily Mountain Eagle 1301 Viking Drive Jasper, AL 205.221.2840 Pickens County Boone Newspapers, Inc. 15222 Freemans Bend Road Northport, AL 205.330.4100 Tuscaloosa County Moundville Times 298 Market St. Moundville, AL 205.371.2488 Onion 9770 AL Highway 69 Tuscaloosa, AL 205.342.0350 Latino Tuscaloosa 1427 22nd Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 205.866.0173 Bibb County Centreville Press 32 Court Square W. Centreville, AL 205.926.9769 The Clanton Advertiser 1109 7th St. N. Clanton, AL 205.755.5747

56  

Selma Times Journal 1018 Water Ave. Selma, AL 334.875.2110 Western Star 1709 3rd Ave. N. Bessemer, AL 205.424.7827 Mule Trader 8473 AL Highway 145 Clanton, AL 205.646.3456 Hale County Greensboro Watchman 1005 Market St. Greensboro, AL 334.624.8323 Demopolis Times 315 E. Jefferson St. Demopolis, AL 334.289.4017 Greene County Democrat 206 Prairie Ave. Eutaw, AL 205.372.3373 Greene County Independent 106 Main St. Eutaw, AL 205.372.2232 Marion Times Standard 414 Washington St. Marion, AL 334.683.6318 Greene County Sumter County Record Journal 210 Washington St. Livingston, AL 205.652.6100 Northport Gazette 401 20th Ave. #5 Northport, AL 205.759.3091

57  

Marengo County Thomasville Times 24 W. Front St. N. Thomasville, AL 334.636.2214 Clarke County Democrat 261 N. Jackson St. Grove Hill, AL 251.275.3375 Choctaw Sun 13440 Choctaw Ave. Gilbertown, AL 251.843.6397 Wilcox Progressive Era 16 Water St. Camden, AL 334.682.4422 Radio Stations WFFN 95.3 FM – Coaling (Tuscaloosa Co.) 95.3 The Bear 142 Skyland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 205.339.4953 monk.monk@townsquaremedia.com todd.livingston@townsquaremedia.com http://953thebear.com WBEI 101.7 FM – Reform (Pickens Co.) http://b1017online.com/ B 101.7 142 Skyland Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205.345.7200 205.345.1017 greg.thomas@townsquaremedia.com todd.livingston@townsquaremedia.com Television Stations WCFT - ABC (ABC 33/40 in Birmingham) P.O. Box 360039 Birmingham, AL 35236 205.403.3340 www.abc3340.com 800 Concourse Parkway Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35244

58  

WDBB Satellite channel of WTTO ch.21 in Birmingham “CW 21” Bessemer

District Four Newspapers Blount County St. Clair News Aegis 1820 2nd Ave. N. Pell City, AL 205.884.2310 http://www.newsaegis.com/ North Jefferson News 1110 Main St. Gardendale, AL 205.631.7244 http://www.njeffersonnews.com/ Anniston Star 4305 McClellan Blvd. Anniston, AL 256.236.1551 http://www.annistonstar.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 189 Anniston, AL 36202 St. Clair County St. Clair Times 1911 Marin St. S. Pell City, AL 205.884.3400 The Daily Home 1911 Martin St. S. Pell City, AL 205.884.3400 Trussville News 6259 Service Road Trussville, AL 205.655.6379 Black & White 2210 2nd Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 205.933.0460

59  

Jacksonville News 4305 McClellan Blvd. Anniston, AL 256.435.5021 Etowah County Reporter Newspaper 532 Broad St. Gadsden, AL 256.547.3357 Cherokee County Herald 107 1st Ave. W. Centre, AL 256.927.5037 Calhoun County Calhoun Community Press 1812 Wilmer Ave. Anniston, AL 256.237.7888 Cleburne County The Cleburne News 926 Ross St. Heflin, AL 256.463.2872 Georgia Alabama Advertiser 71 Pollard St. Ranburne, AL 256.568.5958 Piedmont Benevolence Center 20222 State Route 9 Piedmont, AL 256.447.2211 Clay Times Journal 60132 AL Highway 49 Lineville, AL 256.396.5760 Cherokee County Cherokee County Herald 107 1st Ave. W. Centre, AL 256.927.5037 The Dekalb Advertiser 220 Gault Ave. N.

60  

Fort Payne, AL 256.845.6156 Fort Payne Newspaper Inc 811 Greenhill Blvd. NW. Fort Payne, AL 256.845.2550 Smith Newspapers Inc 221 35th St. NE. #A Fort Payne, AL Times-Journal 811 Greenhill Blvd. NW. Fort Payne, AL 256.845.2550 Radio Stations WBHK 98.7 FM - Warrior (Blount Co.) CMG Birmingham 2700 Corporate Drive Suite 115 Birmingham, AL 35242 205.322.2987 david.dubose@coxradio.com darryl.johnson@987kiss.com http://www.987kiss.com WHMA-FM 95.5 FM – Hobson City (Calhoun Co.) http://www.whmabig95.com/ 256.236.1274 texbig95@cableone.net 801 Noble St. 8th Floor Suite 30 Anniston, AL 36201 Television Stations WJSU – ABC Anniston, Ala. (ABC 33/40 in Birmingham) P.O. Box 360039 Birmingham, AL 35236 205.403.3340 www.abc3340.com 800 Concourse Parkway Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35244

District Five Newspapers WalkerWeb, LLC – 205.221.1278 905 Airport Road S. Jasper, AL 35501

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The North Jefferson News – 205.631.9902 (fax) P.O. Box 849 Gardendale, AL 35071 Editor: Melanie Patterson, editor@njeffersonnews.com Shelby County Reporter – 205.669.3131 P.O. Box 947/115 N. Main St. Columbiana, AL Lifestyles editor: Katie McDowell, katie.mcdowell@shelbycountyreporter.com Chilton County News – 205.755.0110 P.O. Box 189 Clanton, AL 3046 newscc@bellsouth.net Radio Stations WEWN – 205.672.2888 1500 High Road Vandiver, AL 35176 WKLF – 205.755.0980 20747 AL Highway 22 Clanton, AL 35045 Television Stations FOX6 WBRC-TV – 205.583.4333 (news department) P.O. Box 6 Birmingham, AL 35201

District Six Bell Media Indoor, Inc. 2101 Eastern Blvd., Suite 315 Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-4906 Sales Exec. Nathan Yates Lamar Companies (Digital and Regular Billboards) 55 Industrial Park Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36117 334-281-0780 Sales Rep. Kris Burdette OnMedia: Precision TV Advertising 7290 N. Lake Drive, Suite 508 Columbus, GA 31909 334-749-0244 or 706-596-1004 FYI…This group handles the crawl message on the weather channel, in addition to other stuff. Auburn Network P.O. Box 950

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Auburn, AL 36831-0950 334-826-2929 WANI Newstalk 1400 – Andy Burcham, General Manager East Alabama Living Magazine Scarlotte Vaughn, Managing Editor P.O. Box 950 Auburn, AL 36831-0950 334-826-2929 svaughn@eastalabamaliving.com Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Lee Magazine editor@lee-magazine.com Qantum of Auburn, LLC 915 Veterans Pkwy. Opelika, AL 36801 334-745-4656 Mix 96.7 FM Kicker 97.7 FM The Touch 910 AM John Bodiford, General Manager: john.bodiford@qantumofauburn.com or 334-745-4656, ext. 302 Ben Taylor, Director of Sales: ben.taylor@qantumofauburn.com or 334-745-4656, ext. 304 Meagan Roy, News Director Van Riggs, 97.7 on air talent: van.riggs@qantumofauburn.com Donny, 96.7 on air talent: blankdo1985@gmail.com Tiger Communications Traci Ivey 334-887-9999 2514 S. College St., Suite 104 Auburn, AL 36830 The Tiger – 93.9 FM, 95.9FM, 104.9FM WAUD Total Sports 1230AM Kate FM - 99.9FM Ami Tuck: ami@thetiger.fm Brooke: brooke@thetiger.fm McNutt & Company Creative Solutions, LLC P.O. Box 2708 Auburn, AL 36831-2708 334-501-4807 Advanced Graphics Sean Snow, Owner 334-501-8600 sean@advanced-graphics.net

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Sign World Jackie Lewis, Owner 334-821-6303 1715 Opelika Road Auburn, AL 36830 Opelika-Auburn News P.O. Box 2208 Opelika, AL 36803-2208 2901 Society Hill Road, Opelika 334-749-6271 To add an Event to their online calendar: http://events.oanow.com/listings Donathan Prater: dprater@oanow.com Vasha Hunt, Photographer: 334-444-7755 Auburn Plainsman 255 Heisman Drive, Suite 1111 Auburn, AL 36849-5343 Student Center 1111 (Physical Address) 334-844-9109 or 334-844-9108 (office) or 334-844-9021 Robert E. Lee, Editor: editor@theplainsman.com The Auburn Villager P.O. Box 1633 Auburn, AL 36831-1633 334-501-0600 Coffee News Gina Buckley, Publisher Coffeenews25@gmail.com The Corner News 117 N. College St. P.O. Box 3240 Auburn, AL 36831-3240 334-821-7150 Carla Nelson: cnelson@thecornernews.com (story ideas) Elizabeth Snider: esnider@thecornernews.com (advertising) WTVM Channel 9 News (ABC) Elizabeth White, East Alabama Reporter: ewhite@wtvm.com 334-524-4985 or 334-745-3517 Taylor Kinkade: tbarnhill@wtvm.com 1909 Wynnton Road Columbus, GA 31906 706-494-5400 or 706-494-5458 (Newsroom) WXTX Channel 13 News (Fox 54) (Affiliated with WTVM) P.O. Box 12188 Columbus, GA 31917 706-494-5458 or 706-568-2900 (advertising)

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WRBL Channel 3 News (CBS) 706-324-6397 (News Room) or 706-323-3333 (Business Office) 1350 13th Ave.Columbus, GA 31901 WSFA Channel 12 News (NBC) 12 East Delano Ave. Montgomery, AL 36105 Sally Pitts: spitts@wsfa.com (Auburn grad) Katie Clardy Bright: 334-300-8520 (engaged to Auburn police officer, daughter of former Montgomery Mayor) Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer: dwallaceking@wsfa.com

District Seven Newspapers Call News – 251.866.5998 7870 State St. Citronelle, AL 36522 Baldwin County Press www.baldcopress.com baldcopress@yahoo.com Mobile Press-Register – 855.249.2984 circulations@press-register.com Radio Stations WHIL – Alabama Public Radio – 205.348.6644 Box 870150 166 Reese Phifer Hall Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Television Stations WKRG-TV – 251.662.3002 555 Broadcast Drive Mobile, AL 36606 producers@wkrg.com WEAR ABC-TV3 – 850.456.3333 4990 Mobile Highway Pensacola, FL 32506

District Eight Newspapers Andalusia Star News News editor: Stephanie Nelson, stephanie.nelson@andalusiastarnews.com Choctaw Sun – 251.843.6397 P.O. Box 269 Gilbertown, AL 36908 Email: choctawsun@millry.net

65  

Radio Stations WMLV – K-LOVE Television Stations FOX6 WBRC-TV – 205.583.4333 (news department) P.O. Box 6 Birmingham, AL 35201

District Nine Newspapers Montgomery Advertiser – 334.262.1611 435 Molton St. Montgomery, AL 36104 Executive editor: Wanda Lloyd, 334.261.1509 Radio Stations WLWI-AM – 334.240.9274 One Commerce St., Suite 300 Montgomery, AL 36104 Television Stations WSFA 12-NBC – 334.288.1212 12 E. Delano Ave. Montgomery, AL 36105

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Masters Games of Alabama www.mastersgamesalabama.org

 

The Masters Games of Alabama: Bringing Life Back to the Community

Each year more than 600 adults ranging from the ages of 55 to early 90s come together

and compete in a four-day event known as the Masters Games of Alabama. The event attracts the

attention of people from all across Alabama for many different reasons. Some come for the

competition while others are there for the social aspect, but to a few the Games are more than

free throws and friends; they are a matter of connecting families and renewing life.

A pair of sisters from Florence, Ala., is known each year as the ones to beat. After 22

years of competing, Martha Hill and her sister Charlene Cooper are just as excited as ever to

compete in this year’s Games. “We love it and wouldn’t miss it. It’s the highlight of our year,”

Hill said. The two practice together during the week, and the training keeps them close. They

have always competed together, and their sisterhood is a special component of the Games for

them. This year marked a new chapter for the sisters as their respective daughters joined in the

competition, making it even more of a family affair. For this set of women, the Games are a way

to bring the family closer in a fun and active environment.

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When Betty Parker lost her husband after being married for 40 years, she did not know

where to turn. After feeling lost for long enough, one of her friends suggested she check out the

senior center to see if she could get involved there. That is when she found the Games and the

women of District 1. “I needed something to do. I was really lonely, and when I found the

Games, the ladies welcomed me in with open arms,” Parker said. She said it has been a great

way for her to have good clean fun and a community of friends who are there to support her and

laugh with her. Friends of Parker who were right beside her competing in this year’s Games said

she is full of life again.

The Games have not only changed Parker’s life; they have been changing the lives of

many other seniors all across Alabama. Bill Lane, the center manager from Woodland, Ala., said

that he sees them bring life and joy to people every day.

“I’m a center manager so I bring them (the seniors) every year. I look forward to it, they

look forward to it and it gives them a purpose in life. When [the Games are] over and we’re on

the way home, they’re like little kids in the back comparing medals,” Lane said. Not only has he

seen how the Games bring joy to people, Lane said he has seen them bring people back to life as

well. “Six months ago a lady came to my center. She was coerced into coming because her

husband had died, and she was all alone out in the country. She was only going to come one

time, but she liked it so much that she came back, and now she comes every day. She told us that

it was a lifesaver to her. She said the people at the center hugged her and brought her back to

reality. That’s what the Games are all about,” Lane said.

While the Games are about friendly competition and three days of social events, they are

also about so much more. Each year there are different stories about how the Games have

changed someone’s life or brought them closer to friends and family, and this year was no

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exception. When thinking about why he is involved in the Games and what keeps him coming

back each year, Lane said it is the sheer joy that he sees the Games bring to people. “As I sit and

listen to them comparing medals I’m like that’s what it’s all about. Happiness and enjoyment is

not an age-related thing; it’s a whole spectrum.”

To find out more about how to get involved in the Masters Games of Alabama, visit

www.mastersgamesalabama.org, or visit your local senior center or parks and recreation

department.

###

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Masters Games of Alabama www.mastersgamesalabama.org

 Mission Statement

“Masters Games of Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy

lifestyles for adults ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities. The Games

facilitate physical fitness through good-natured competition, provide an exciting social

atmosphere in which people can develop new relationships and advance mental well-being

through engaging activities.”

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Logos and Quote Bank

We created several new logos for our client to choose from. Below are some of our

samples:

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We also created a quote bank for the client to use as possible slogan ideas. The first quote

was the most popular, both with our group and with the client:

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." - Mark Twain

"Old age is no place for sissies." - Bette Midler

"The greatest wealth is health." - Virgil

"Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength." - Betty Friedan

"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional." - Chili Davis

"Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age." - Victor Hugo

72  

Brochure

We created a two-sided brochure to be distributed at parks and recreation departments,

senior centers and other locations where the target audiences might be reached around the state.  

73  

Masters Games of Alabama www.mastersgamesalabama.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Masters Games of Alabama? Masters Games of Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for adults ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities. The Games facilitate physical fitness through good-natured competition, provide an exciting social atmosphere in which people can develop new relationships and advance mental well-being through engaging activities.   How did Masters Games of Alabama start? Masters Games of Alabama was created in 1990 in Oxford, Ala., by the local parks and recreation department. What events are included in Masters Games of Alabama? Some of the events available include swimming, golfing, tennis, rook, pickle ball, bowling, Wii Bowling and quilting. For a complete list, see the website www.mastersgamesalabama.org. How do I become eligible to compete? Alabama is divided into nine districts for the Masters Games of Alabama. Each district holds their own qualifying events at some point from April to August. Those competitors who qualify at the district level compete in the state Games in October. Where are the state Games held? The host city for the state Games changes every two years. This year, the state Games will be held in Valley, Ala. Is there a fee to participate? There is a one-time registration fee for each participant. Depending on which events you register for, however, additional fees may be included.

74  

Who can I contact for registration information? Registration information is available online at www.mastersgamesalabama.org or at your local parks and recreation departments or senior centers.

Evaluation  

75  

Evaluation

In this section, we layout the ground rules for how our client should look at each

objective and evaluate whether it was successful or not. If the objective has not been a clear

success, we offer possible solutions for how the client may address the problems and try to

achieve each objective.

Objective: To increase MGA’s use of social and Internet media by engaging 200 members of

their key public by the 2013 State Games

To evaluate the success of this objective, in October 2013 look at the number of “Likes”

on your Facebook page to see if you have reached the targeted 200 goal. If the number has not

increased by October 2013 to 200, reference our sample Facebook posts to increase traffic on

your site. Furthermore, track the number of views of the video via YouTube and the number of

“Likes” for the video on the Facebook page. The number of people who sign up for the e-

newsletter also plays into the assessment of this objective’s success. Next year, however, be sure

to include a question related to the e-newsletter and email blasts on the post-Games survey to

find out if those who are receiving them find them beneficial.

Objective: To increase MGA’s traditional media promotional efforts by 15 percent in the next

six months

To evaluate the success of this objective, keep track of the number of press releases and

media advisories that are distributed within the next six months. The more stories that are picked

up and published by local newspapers, radio and television stations, the better. Also, examine

whether or not the feature story has been published in any local newspapers or magazines. If it

76  

has not, revisit the media contact list and determine if you can approach other media outlets

about publishing it or another feature story.

Objective: To unify MGA’s state promotional efforts by producing four copy pieces by the end

of this campaign

Our group achieved this objective during the campaign. We created an official mission

statement, a new logo and slogan, a brochure and an FAQ sheet. However, in order to make sure

this objective is fulfilled in the future, MGA should use these materials in everything they send

out to maintain consistency. For example, the brochure should be distributed to all parks and

recreation departments, Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers. Also, whether it is the

website, a media kit or other publications, the same mission statement, logo and slogan should be

used on all publications issued by the organization.

77  

Appendices  

78  

Appendix A

This appendix is the attached file named “Appendix A - 2011 State Games Evaluation Form.” It will be incorporated into our final printed book here.

79  

Appendix B This appendix is the attached file named “Appendix B - 2011 State Games Evaluation Form with Results.” It will be incorporated into our final printed book here.

80  

Appendix C

Our group created and distributed the following survey to determine the level of awareness of members of our client’s target audience. 1. How often do you work out? A - Everyday B - A few times a week C - A few times a month D - Never 2. Do you play/engage in any of the following sports/activities? Please circle all that apply. Basketball Billiards Bowling Checkers Dominoes Double Dominoes Frisbee Golf Horseshoes Line Dancing Nerf ball Ping Pong Quilting Rook Shuffleboard Softball Swimming Tennis Walking 3. Have you ever competed in any of the above sports/activities at a state or national level? A – Yes B – No

81  

4. I have a good awareness of what the Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) is and how it works. A - Strongly Agree B – Agree C - Neither agree nor disagree D – Disagree E - Strongly Disagree 5. I am enthusiastic about participating in MGA’s state Games. A - Strongly Agree B – Agree C - Neither agree nor disagree D – Disagree E - Strongly Disagree F - I do not know what the state Games are 6. I currently use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to communicate with family, friends, etc. A - Strongly Agree B – Agree C - Neither agree nor disagree D – Disagree E - Strongly Disagree 7. It is important to stay socially active and involved with others leading up to and following retirement. A - Strongly Agree B – Agree C - Neither agree nor disagree D – Disagree E - Strongly Disagree 8. It is important to stay physically active and involved with others leading up to and following retirement. A - Strongly Agree B – Agree C - Neither agree nor disagree D - Disagree E - Strongly Disagree 9. What is your age?

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______________________

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10. What is your current employment status? A – Retired B - No job C - Part-time job D - Full-time job 11. What is your sex? A – Female B – Male 12. What is your ethnicity? A – Caucasian B - African-American C - Hispanic-American D - Asian-American E - Other: __________________

84  

Appendix D This appendix shows our survey with the results indicated beside each answer. 1. How often do you work out? A - Everyday 9 / 15.5% B - A few times a week 17 / 29.3% C - A few times a month 19 / 32.8% D - Never 13 / 22.4% 2. Do you play/engage in any of the following sports/activities? Please circle all that apply. Basketball 3 / 5.2% Billiards 3 / 5.2% Bowling 5 / 8.6% Checkers 7 / 12.1% Dominoes 8 / 13.8% Double Dominoes 0 Frisbee 3 / 5.2% Golf 8 / 13.8% Horseshoes 3 / 5.2% Line Dancing 4 / 6.9% Nerf ball 0 Ping Pong 4 / 6.9% Quilting 1 / 1.7% Rook 3 / 5.2% Shuffleboard 2 / 3.4% Softball 0 Swimming 7 / 12.1% Tennis 1 / 1.7% Walking 38 / 66.6% 3. Have you ever competed in any of the above sports/activities at a state or national level? A – Yes 4 / 9.8% B – No 47 / 92.1% 4. I have a good awareness of what the Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) is and how it works. A - Strongly Agree 1 / 1.8% B – Agree 3 / 5.4% C - Neither agree nor disagree 9 / 16.1%

85  

D – Disagree 7 / 12.5% E - Strongly Disagree 36 / 64.3% 5. I am enthusiastic about participating in MGA’s state Games. A - Strongly Agree 1 / 1.7% B – Agree 1 / 1.7% C - Neither agree nor disagree 8 / 13.8% D – Disagree 5 / 8.6% E - Strongly Disagree 6 / 10.3% F - I do not know what the state Games are. 37 / 63.8% 6. I currently use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to communicate with family, friends, etc. A - Strongly Agree 13 / 22.8% B – Agree 14 / 24.6% C - Neither agree nor disagree 6 / 10.5% D – Disagree 8 / 14% E - Strongly Disagree 16 / 28.1% 7. It is important to stay socially active and involved with others leading up to and following retirement. A - Strongly Agree 39 / 67.2% B – Agree 14 / 24.1% C - Neither agree nor disagree 5 / 8.6% D – Disagree 0 E - Strongly Disagree 0 8. It is important to stay physically active and involved with others leading up to and following retirement. A - Strongly Agree 29 / 51.8% B – Agree 25 / 44.6% C - Neither agree nor disagree 2 / 3.6% D – Disagree 0 E - Strongly Disagree 0

86  

9. What is your age? 50 – 8 / 13.8% 51 – 2 / 3.4% 52 – 6 / 10.3% 53 – 4 / 6.9% 54 – 3 / 5.2% 55 – 3 / 5.2% 56 – 2 / 3.4% 57 – 4 / 6.9% 58 – 3 / 5.2% 59 – 1 / 1.7% 60 – 2 / 3.4% 62 – 1 / 1.7% 63 – 2 / 3.4% 65 – 4 / 6.9% 66 – 1 / 1.7% 72 – 2 / 3.4% 73 – 1 / 1.7% 74 – 1 / 1.7% 75 – 1 / 1.7% 79 – 1 / 1.7% 82 – 2 / 3.4% 84 – 1 / 1.7% 90 – 1 / 1.7% 91 – 1 / 1.7% 92 – 1 / 1.7

87    

10. What is your current employment status? A – Retired 13 / 22.8% B - No job 4 / 6.9% C - Part-time job 2 / 3.4% D - Full-time job 31 / 53.4% 11. What is your sex? A – Female 38 / 65.5% B – Male 20 / 34.5% 12. What is your ethnicity? A – Caucasian 42 / 72.4% B - African-American 9 / 15.5% C - Hispanic-American 1 / 1.7% D - Asian-American 6 / 10.3% E - Other: __________________

88    

Appendix E

This is the survey our group created for MGA to use at the 2012 State Games. Name: ________________________________________ Age: ________________ City: _________________________________________ Gender: _____________ Email: ________________________________________ 1. Please list the events that you participated in: __________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Please rate the following: (only circle one) Registration/Check-in: Excellent Good Fair Poor Facilities: Excellent Good Fair Poor Schedule of Events: Excellent Good Fair Poor Conduct of Staff: Excellent Good Fair Poor Meals: Excellent Good Fair Poor 3. Cost is a factor in deciding whether or not you participate in the state Games. Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree 4. I would recommend participating in MGA’s state Games to my friends and family. Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree 5. I currently use the following social media outlets: (circle all that apply) Facebook Twitter MySpace Email 6. How do you receive news about the state Games? (circle all that apply) Area Agency on Aging Senior Center Radio Television Recreation Department Local Newspaper Magazine Internet 7. What is your current job status? Full-time job Part-time job Retired No job 8. I enjoyed my overall experience in the state Games. Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree 9. I will return to participate in the next state Games. Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

89    

10. How many years have you participated MGA’s state Games? _________________ 11. If this is your first year, how did you hear about MGA? Friends Family Senior Center Internet Radio Television Newspaper Area Agency on Aging Recreation Department Other (Please Specify) _____________________________

Please detail any suggestions or comments you have in regards to the 2012 State Games, any of the items mentioned above or ways in which we can improve for the 2013 State Games on the back. Thank you for your time!

90    

References Alabama Senior Olympics (2012). Alabama Senior Olympics. Retrieved September 30, 2012

from https://sites.google.com/site/2010alabamaseniorgames/Alabama-Senior-Olympics

ASF Foundation (2012). Thank You 2012 Partners. Retrieved September 28, 2012 from

http://www.alagames.com/index.php?page=info_sponsor

Davis, J. (2012, April 17). Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports to host 2012

Alabama Senior Olympics. Lowndes County News. Retrieved from

http://lowndescounty.wsfa.com/news/news/155389-governors-commission-physical-

fitness-and-sports-host-2012-alabama-senior-olympics

East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (2010). Masters Games of

Alabama. Retrieved September 14, 2012 from http://www.earpdc.org/pages/?pageID=48

National Senior Games Association (2010). National Senior Games Association. Retrieved

September 28, 2012 from www.nsga.com

Masters Games of Alabama

www.mastersgamesalabama.org  

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date Here

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Local Contact Local Contact Title

Local Contact Email

Masters Games of Alabama to host District # qualifying events in (City), Ala.

What: Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) District 6 is hosting their annual qualifying

events for the state Games in (city), Ala., on (date), (date) and (date).

Who: MGA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for adults ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities. The Games facilitate physical fitness through good-natured competition, provide an exciting social atmosphere in which people can develop new relationships and advance mental well-being through engaging activities. MGA is formed by members of the Area Agency on Aging, parks and recreation departments and senior centers across the state.

Anyone who is older than 50 may participate in MGA’s district Games, and those interested in competing at the state level may use these district qualifying events to register for competition.

Where: The (City) Community Center is located at (address). A few of the events (golf, billiards and bowling) take place at (separate address if necessary). These events are open for photography opportunities.

When: The qualifying events on (date) will begin at (time) and will last until (time). Announcements of those who qualify will be made (via email). A board member will be available after the ceremony to make a brief statement.

###

Masters Games of Alabama

www.mastersgamesalabama.org  

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Date Here)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Alison Hall Board of Directors, MGA ahall@auburnalabama.org

Masters Games of Alabama to Host State-Level Competition in (City), Ala.

What: Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) is hosting their annual state Games in (City), Ala., from Oct. (dates), 2013.

Who: MGA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for adults ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities. The Games facilitate physical fitness through good-natured competition, provide an exciting social atmosphere in which people can develop new relationships and advance mental well-being through engaging activities. MGA is formed by members of the Area Agency on Aging, parks and recreation departments and senior centers across the state.

Anyone who is older than 50 may participate in MGA’s state Games, and those competing at the state level have already qualified to do so by competing at the district level.

Where: The (City) Community Center is located at address. A few of the events (golf, billiards and bowling) take place at (separate address if necessary) in (city), but directions will be handed out to those competing in these select events. These events are open for photography opportunities.

When: The state Games will begin at (time) on (day), (date), and will last until (time) on (day), (date). The awards ceremony will take place at (time) on (day), (date), at the (City) Community Center gymnasium. Board members will be available after the ceremony to make a brief statement.

###

Masters Games of Alabama

www.mastersgamesalabama.org

-more-

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date Here

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Local Contact Name Local Contact Title

Local Contact Email

District # Games Are Ready to Begin

CITY—The BLANK Community Center is ready to host to the annual qualifying events for

Masters Games of Alabama’s (MGA) District # beginning on DATE at TIME.

Those qualified from District # will go on to compete at the state Games, an annual event

that brings people of all walks of life together to promote a healthy lifestyle and social and

physical activity among adults ages 50 and older.

QUOTE FROM LOCAL BOARD MEMBER

There are events for every age and skill level in the district Games, including basketball,

dominoes, Nerf ball, tennis, Frisbee and much more.

QUOTE FROM BOARD MEMBER ABOUT SPECIFIC EVENTS AND NEW ONES.

MGA began in 1990 in Oxford, Ala., as a way to encourage activity in seniors both

physically and socially. It is now a nonprofit organization “dedicated to promoting healthy

lifestyles for adults ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities. The Games

facilitate physical fitness through good-natured competition, provide an exciting social

atmosphere in which people can develop new relationships and advance mental well-being

through engaging activities.” To learn more about MGA, please visit

www.mastersgamesalabma.org.

###

Masters Games of Alabama

www.mastersgamesalabama.org

-more-

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date Here

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Alison Hall

Board of Directors, MGA ahall@auburnalabama.org

Masters Games of Alabama Is Set to Light the Torch at State Competition

CITY—The annual state Games are set to begin on date at the blank community center. The state

Games are hosted by Masters Games of Alabama (MGA), a statewide organization aimed at

promoting social and physical activity among adults ages 50 and older.

The state Games are an annual event with an Olympic-like atmosphere that bring people

of all walks of life together to support a healthy lifestyle. Though the lit torch is metaphorical,

the board members are kicking off the four-day-long competition after planning the event since

last October.

QUOTE FROM BOARD MEMBER

Some of the areas of competition at MGA’s state Games include basketball, line dancing,

golf, quilting, shuffleboard and more.

QUOTE FROM BOARD MEMBER ABOUT SPECIFIC EVENTS AND NEW ONES.

MGA began in 1990 in Oxford, Ala., as a way to encourage activity in seniors both

physically and socially. It is now a nonprofit organization “dedicated to promoting healthy

lifestyles for adults ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities. The Games

facilitate physical fitness through good-natured competition, provide an exciting social

atmosphere in which people can develop new relationships and advance mental well-being

through engaging activities.” To learn more about MGA, please visit

www.mastersgamesalabama.org.

###

Masters Games of Alabama

www.mastersgamesalabama.org

-more-

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date Here

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Alison Hall Board of Directors, MGA ahall@auburnalabama.org

Masters Games of Alabama: The Torch Has Been Lit and the Games Are

Underway

CITY—With more than # participants in attendance, the Masters Games of

Alabama (MGA) state Games kicked off on DATE, playing host to adults ages 50

and older who were ready to win it all for their districts.

Yesterday, MGA held the billiards, basketball toss and swimming

competitions. There were # winners in each category, with District # having the

most medals.

QUOTE FROM SOME OF THE WINNERS

Today, some of the events include tennis, golf and Nerf ball, and tonight

we will be holding the annual celebration dinner to commemorate a great week

and the unity MGA provides.

QUOTE FROM BOARD MEMBERS

MGA began in 1990 in Oxford, Ala., as a way to encourage activity in seniors both

physically and socially. It is now a nonprofit organization “dedicated to promoting healthy

lifestyles for adults ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities. The Games

facilitate physical fitness through good-natured competition, provide an exciting social

atmosphere in which people can develop new relationships and advance mental well-being

through engaging activities.” To learn more about MGA, please visit

www.mastersgamesalabama.org.

###

Masters Games of Alabama

www.mastersgamesalabama.org

-more-

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date Here

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Alison Hall

Board of Directors, MGA ahall@auburnalabama.org

The Masters Games of Alabama Wrap Up a Successful Year

CITY — The Masters Games of Alabama (MGA) started its state Games on date and finished

them on date, with number of medals awarded and a closing ceremony celebrating this year’s

participants.

MGA’s state Games are an annual event, produced by parks and recreation departments,

the Area Agency on Aging and the senior centers of Alabama. It promotes a healthy lifestyle

among seniors both physically and socially.

QUOTE FROM A PARTICIPANT

The event brings together 700 participants on average, all adults ages 50 and older, to

enjoy the camaraderie of competition. This year, the event brought number of participants.

QUOTE FROM SOMEONE ON THE BOARD OF MGA

This year MGA introduced new event or new something to its annual festivities.

QUOTE FROM SOMEONE ON THE BOARD OF MGA ABOUT NEW ACTIVITY

MGA began in 1990 in Oxford, Ala., as a way to encourage activity in seniors both

physically and socially. It is now a nonprofit organization “dedicated to promoting healthy

lifestyles for adults ages 50 and older through social, mental and physical activities. The Games

facilitate physical fitness through good-natured competition, provide an exciting social

atmosphere in which people can develop new relationships and advance mental well-being

through engaging activities.” To learn more about MGA, please visit

www.mastersgamesalabama.org.

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2011 Masters Games of Alabama Evaluation Form

Please complete this evaluation form and return it to the registration desk.

Please make sure you fill out BOTH sides of this evaluation form. Thank you for

your feedback and we hope you enjoy the games!

1. Please list the event(s) you participated in: ______________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2. Please rate the following: (Only Check One)

Registration (Check-in):

_____ Excellent _____ Good _____ Fair _____ Poor

Facilities:

_____ Excellent _____ Good _____ Fair _____ Poor

Schedule of Events:

_____ Excellent _____ Good _____ Fair _____ Poor

Conduct of Staff:

_____ Excellent _____ Good _____ Fair _____ Poor

Meals:

_____ Excellent _____ Good _____ Fair _____ Poor

Please list any suggestions or comments you have in regards to the 2011 State Games, any of

the items mentioned above or ways in which we can improve or change for the 2012 Games:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Name: ___________________________ (Optional)

City: _____________________________ Flip to the Other Side and Complete!

2011 Masters Games of Alabama Survey & Questions

1. Why do you participate in the Masters Games? ____________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2. Is cost a factor in deciding whether or not you participate in the State Games? Yes No

3. Are there any games not currently offered at the Masters Games you would like to see

added in the future? Yes No

If Yes, what games? ____________________________________________________________

4. Would you recommend participating in the Masters Games to others? Yes No

5. What is your favorite part of the Masters Games? _________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

6. What is your least favorite part of the Masters Games? _____________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

7. Do you currently use social media outlets, such as Facebook or Twitter? Yes No

If Yes, please circle all that you use: Facebook Twitter MySpace Google+

8. How do you receive news about the District or State Masters Games? Please circle all that

apply: Local Recreation Dept. Local Area Agency on Aging Local Senior Center

Local Newspaper Magazine Television Radio Internet

9. Please rank in order from 1 to 5 the media outlets you choose for finding news (1 being the

most used and 5 the least):

_____ Television _____ Radio _____ Newspaper _____ Magazine _____ Internet

10. Please list the local information for the following:

Local Newspaper you read: _________________________________

Local Television station you watch: ___________________________

Local Radio station you listen to: _____________________________

Local Magazine you read: __________________________________

11. Are you employed or retired? _____ Employed _____ Retired

12. What is your age group? _____ 55-59 _____ 60-64 _____65-69 _____70-74

_____75-79 _____ 80-84 _____ 85+

For more information on the Masters Games, please “Like” our Facebook fan page.

Just search for Masters Games of Alabama.

Flip to the Other Side and Complete!

2011 Masters Games of Alabama Survey & Questions Responses: Please list events you participated in:

Basketball-38

Billiards-24

Bowling-23

Checkers-17

Dominoes-46

Double Dominoes-28

Frisbee-64

Golf-2

Horseshoes-39

Line Dancing-27

Nerfball-63

Ping Pong-21

Quiting-2

Rook-30

Senior Center Director-1

Shuffleboard-58

Softball-56

Swimming-10

Tennis-2

Walking-15 Please rate the following: (Only Check One) Registration: Excellent: 113 Good: 70 Fair: 14 Poor: 0 Facilities: Excellent: 127

Good: 56 Fair: 8 Poor: 5 Schedule of Events:

Excellent: 70 Good: 97

Fair: 21 Poor: 6 Conduct of Staff:

Excellent: 131 Good: 60

Fair: 5 Poor: 1 Meals:

Excellent: 60 Good: 90

Fair: 35 Poor: 5

Why do you participate in the Masters Games?

Senior Center Manager; senior center advocate; fun, recreation, like to compete; for encouragement of better health through physical and social activities; enjoyment; for the camaraderie and maybe to win a medal for the senior center; because I like to meet new people; enjoys competition; relaxing; exercise and friendship, competition and meeting new friends; meeting friends; competition, fun, gives us something to look forward to; health, pleasure, meet people; fun and fellowship; competition and friends; to stay young and healthy; enjoy competition; love people and activities; active lifestyle; gives me something to do; something to look forward to; pride; health awareness; there is laughter and great joy in playing games; exercise, mind and body; thrill of competition; Would love to be a Member at Large on the board; travel; makes me feel younger; the challenge; recruited from my senior center; for motivation to stay in shape; feeling of achievement (win or lose), physical ability, fellowship with athletes; a friend asked me and it sounded like fun; to support our instructor Jackie; FOR FUN repeated NUMEROUS times; fun; enjoy the games and the people you meet; love billiards; love to play and fellowship; to compete within my age group and gender

Is cost a deciding factor whether or not you participate in the State Games? Yes: 47 No: 130

No Response Checked: 25 Would you recommend participating in the Masters Games to others? Yes: 177 No: 2 No Response Checked: 16 What is your favorite part of the Masters Games?

Meeting new people; meeting other senior citizens; interaction with other seniors; competing with your peers; watching the line dancers; fellowship with people; enjoyment of being with so many people and renewing old friendships; everything; enjoys all of it; fellowship; dominos; seeing old friends; meeting people and playing games; the kindness and friendliness of people, exercise for health in doing all games; shuffleboard; medals; competition and friendship; the games; fellowship; winning medals; line dancing; competition; social gatherings; dominoes; hospitality and fellowship; being with all of the seniors; all of the games; meeting others from around the state; swimming; billiards; awards banquet; rooting for someone who is “on a roll!”; competition and fun; having to mingle and see people; line dancing and bowling; seeing the determination of people even when in wheelchairs and walkers-it’s a blessing; shuffleboard; the colorful shirts; love the banquet and the entertainment; games, banquet and the food; line dancing; softball throw; rook; table tennis; basketball free throw; checkers; seeing the faces of the participants during competition; rook and dominoes; swimming; dominoes; making pictures for everyone was very nice; billiards; enjoy every part

What is your least favorite part of the Masters Games?

Chaos; some staff members were irritated and short tempered; waiting (some areas not easily accessible for waiting); early hour for some events (8 a.m.); overlapping events; un-organization and not being on time, having volunteers that do not know the rules or how to keep score right, schedules are never right, information not correct on games to participate; basketball throw; rain; rook should be 2 out of 3 games instead of time limit; confusion-need to have PA system in building for announcements; the food; starting so early and waiting in line; meals; outdoor pool; sitting around; line dancing; when it is over; too cold in the building, need more social dances; downtime – waiting around; delayed starts to events; poor organization and no backup plans for emergency conditions; waiting in line; drive to the center; waiting-need entertainment during the breaks and down time; waiting; delays due to overlapping events; horseshoes and shuffleboard should be shorter; scheduling; block games; waiting with nothing to do; lack of organization, i.e. not enough officials or volunteers, sign-up for block events confusing; the officials were not honest, why do you promote participating in more activities and adding more when the schedule is bad; standing and waiting in line for the softball throw;

dominoes; the lack of a website promoting the games; nerfball; lack of rules and clear way events are judged; need better signage on where events are and registration for block events; sitting around waiting; the waiting between games; late games; the noise; waiting and nothing to entertain you; line dancing; the trip to get there; disorganized; I was left off the list for my events; meal service; distance from home; too far to drive; not talking; have to get up too early; swimming outdoors; would not recommend Trussville; registration; waiting, waiting, waiting for age groups to finish up that go past their time slot and make the rest of us late; rule changes; would not recommend this location again for games; traveling too far; the parade; bored; long trip; disorganization-organizers act like they don’t have a clue what to do; expense; waiting so long to finish the games; bowling scheduled at night; table tennis; misinformed about events by my district rep; need sound system; downtime; can’t compete in some games because my District (Dothan) doesn’t offer them (checkers, softball throw, horseshoes); pizza meal-too much bread for seniors; different rules for events here versus at the District level; rude people; basketball throw; box lunches and having to register each day for events; Frisbee and nerfball too close together; need transportation back to motel; being cold; swimming; driving home; card games; start time for billiards; cost

Are there any games not currently offered at the Masters Games that you would like to see added in the future? Spin casting, football throw, washers (3), archery (3), Wii bowling (5), pickle ball (10), skip-bo (2), boxing, canasta (2), hand and foot (6), don’t know, billiards, pea knuckle, scrabble (2), darts (4), bridge (3), crosstitich, painting, line dancing, farkle, knitted afghans, more card games, rummy (6), badminton (3), volleyball, softball (3), bocce ball (2), race walk, phase 10 (2), crocheting, embroidery and knitting (4), corn toss, mixed doubles table tennis, bingo, bean toss, 3 on 3 basketball, rod and reel casting throw (2), bib whist (3), spades

Do you currently use social media outlets?

Facebook: 40 Twitter: 2 MySpace: 2 Google+: 19 (I don’t think they understood this one!)

How do you receive news about District or State Masters Games? Local Rec. Dept.: 38 Local Newspaper: 19 Local Agency on Aging: 44 Senior Center: 149 Magazine: 3 Television: 10 Radio: 6 Internet: 11 Please rank in order from 1 to 5 the media outlets you choose for finding news (1 being the most used and 5 the least): Overall Rankings:

1. Television 2. Newspaper (Newspaper beat Radio by 1 point) 3. Radio 4. Magazine 5. Internet (Magazine beat Internet by 1 point)

If you throw out the bottom 3 ranking numbers (3, 4 and 5) and compare the outlets based on their receiving the 1 and 2 rankings, here is the order: Television (144) Newspaper (84) Radio (42) Internet (40) Magazine (19)

So as you can see, the best outlets to reach your senior target market are still television and the newspaper, but the internet is growing with this age group and keeping pace or will soon pass radio.

Please list the local information for the following: Local Newspaper you read: Anniston Star (16) Atmore News (2)

Birmingham News (27) Blount Countian (2) Clanton Advisor Cleburne News (2) Cullman Times (4) Daily Home (8) Daily Mountain Eagle (5)

Decatur Daily (5) Dothan Eagle (5) Gadsden Times

Huntsville Times (5) Jacksonville News (5) Mobile Press Register (23) Montgomery Advertiser (8)

News Courier Northwest Alabamian (6)

Oxford Sun (2) Oxford Independent (2) Randolph Leader (3) Talladega Daily Home

Times Daily-Huntsville (2) Times Daily-Florence (6) Tuskegee News Valley Times

Independent Gulf Coast Newspapers (2) District 1 Locals

Local Television station you watch: CBS station-Montgomery

CBS station-Scottsboro, Jackson CBS 42-Sylacauga (3)

Fox 6-Birmingham (31) Fox Channel 5 News-Mobile (8)

Fox 10-Robertsdale area (5) NBC station-Hartselle ABC 33/40-Anniston/Birmingham area (26) WSFA, NBC station-Montgomery (9)

WAFF Huntsville (1) CBS 19 (4) WKRG CBS-Mobile area (4) Fox 10 (3) WTVY, WDHN-Dothan area (4) WHNT-Huntsville (3) NBC Channel 15-Mobile area (6) NBC 33

ABC-Florence station (2) WBRC Channel 6 CBS Station-Columbus, GA Channel 46-Atlanta (2) Channel 5-Atlanta (3) Channel 11-Greenville Channel 13-Birmingham area WIAT Birmingham area WCFT Fox 54-Hunstville area

Local Radio station you listen to: Birmingham Area

89.7 WJHO Sylacauga 90.3 WBHM Birmingham (3) 91.1 WVSU Birmingham 94.5 WJOX Birmingham (5)

96.5 WMJJ Birmingham (3) 99.5 WZRR Birmingham 102.5 WDXB Birmingham (2) 102.5 WDXB Sylacauga 104.7 WZZK Birmingham (7)

105.5 WERC Birmingham Huntsville Area 96.1 WXFL Huntsville (2) 96.9 WRSA Huntsville (3)

100.3 WQRV Huntsville Mobile Area 88.5 WBHY Mobile 89.5 WPCS Pensacola, FL 91.3 WHIL Mobile (3) 92.5 WHEP Mobile (2) 94.1 WMEZ Mobile (2) 94.9 WKSJ Mobile 101.3 WAGF Mobile (2) 102.7 WXBM Pensacola, FL (2) 105.7 WCSN Mobile (2) 106.5 WAVH Mobile 710 WPMI Mobile (2) 1220 WABF Fairhope Montgomery Area 92.3 WLWI Montgomery 96.1 WQKS Montgomery

97.1 WWMG Montgomery (3) 107.5 WVFG Uniontown 800 WMGY Montgomery Tuscaloosa Area 100.7 WANZ Northport (2) 105.9 WRTR Brookwood Decatur Area 91.7 WYFD Athens

99.9 WRJL Hartselle (3) 102.1 WDRM Decatur (2)

Florence/Muscle Shoals Area 92.7 WJBB Haleyville (5) 93.9 WYTK Florence (2) 97.7 WKXM Haleyville 105.7 WQAH Haleyville 106.3 WBTC Sheffield 107.3 WQLT Florence Dothan Area 95.5 WTVY Dothan 96.9 WDJR Dothan (5) 99.1 WTKE Andalusia 99.7 WOOF Dothan 103.7 WAAO Andalusia Auburn Area 100.9 WCJM West Point, GA 1360 WERL Roanoke Anniston/Oxford Area 98.7 WBHK Jacksonville (2) 810 WCKS Jacksonville 1390 WHMA Anniston (2) 1450 WDGN Anniston (3)

Local Magazine you read:

Senior Times Shoals Mobile Bay Monthly (2) Baldwin EMC

Alabama Living Guidepost (2) Bay Area Southern Living (5) Senior Life “Atmore” Readers Digest (2) Senior Magazine (3) AARP Prevention (2) TV Guide Islander Better Homes and Garden Pension News Senior Living (2) Trussville Tribune Sylacauga Magazine Mullet Wrapper (2) Birmingham Home and Garden Discover Alabama

Age Groups: 55-59: 9 60-64: 20 65-69: 38 70-74: 46 75-79: 40 80-84: 23 85+: 18 Work Status: Employed: 21 Retired: 159 Semi-Retired:6 Please list any suggestions or comments you have in regards to the 2011 State Games, any of the items mentioned

above or ways in which we can improve or change for the 2012 Games:

As in checkers, put a time limit; bowling in a.m.; glad to have what we; would like to see “hand & foot” cards added to

the agenda; would like to add hand and foot card game in masters. Could play two hands the 90 & 120; hand and foot

card game; when athletes have trained all year to compete in any event (most times at their own expense- both $ and

physical) contingency plans should be made to have back-up staff in event of emergencies, such as the one in the

swimming competition. In that way the athletes do not lose the opportunities the have worked for all year. While

everyone (including me) sympathizes with the family of the heart attack victim, consideration needs to be given for

those who are competing, many of whom will not be here next year. Why was I the only swimming competitor to be

asked if I wanted to swim on Thursday when everything was already finished? Too much confusion created by lack of

organization; INDOORS SWIMMING!! I was sick for an entire month last year from cold wet weather! ; need the staff to

know the rules better for each game. We had to wait in the wind and drizzle for the horseshoes brackets to be decided.

DO AWAY WITH HAVING TO STAND IN LINE TO GET SCORE CARDS> PROVIDE SEATING FOR AGE GROUPS TO SIT

TOGETHER. NOTHING ORGANIZED; I understand the concept of block scheduling however, there is a long wait in some

of the activities. Maybe blocks of less time with age designations would speed things up! Shuffleboard might move

faster with 6 turns instead of 8. ; Better organization of participation time. Background organization is good. Trussville

Civic employees are very good at what they do. Go out of the way to make games more enjoyable for all seniors. ; I

appreciate all the work you put into the games. Thanks for all you did for us. Senior centers should be better provides of

info on senior games, i.e. 50’s theme, the new competition categories, etc. ; thoroughly enjoyed the word search/

jumble puzzles the staff provided. The meals provided were excellent!! ; I don’t think the directors of a center should be

able to compete in any of the games. They should be representing there district. ; Do not feel that it is fair that the

center paid worker can compete in the competition. At our center, our workers are told they can’t because it is for the

seniors and that they should be representatives. ; I was in the playoffs at Billiards. Was not in favor of letting people put

the que ball wherever if a person scratched. We don’t learn to play like that and to me rules are rules. ; Allow dance

team leaders to participate in two groups so that we can bring more teams. Leaders could lead their beginners and then

participate in another group of intermediate dancers. Pay travel and provide meals for judges and arrange the schedule

so they don’t have to stay overnight. Designate a hostess for the judges to greet then when they arrive and take them to

a private place and give them snack and brief them on their job; Dominoes- please follow the same rules that were given

before the games. Shuffleboard- if a mistake is made find a way to not penalize the people who did not make the

mistake; better organization of age defined time slots. The allotted time allowed (horseshoes/shuffleboard). When

unrealistic time slot is exceeded, the event snowballs and causes some athletes to miss other competitions they have

trained for all year; very good games; scheduling the events, some are too close for us to play some we qualify for and

we have to choose; games are too close to one another we can’t play two games at one time. Go back to the lunches like

we use to have some of us are diabetic and can’t eat a lot of things ; just keep up the good Christian work ; the sandwich

box lunch is not tasty and could we have more salads and vegetables? Registration each day for those days games why

can’t we get these slips on the first day of registration? ; You should have paperwork finished before we sign in; you

should have all the necessary paperwork finished before time to sign in. should not have to wait for that. I liked it better

when age groups participated together instead of districts. I’m glad the events are not the first weekend in October

because that’s the fiddlers competition ; schedule was terrible, slipping in events without going thru district(no good),

people receiving 2 byes in one event not right ; The games this year were great! I do feel that the directors should play in

the games, but be representatives for their district or center; streamline the registration process so that we don’t have

to stand in a line 2 times to get our line dance teams registered; tweak the guidelines for choosing dances – what is OK,

what is not OK, can we cue, level of dance, etc…; make the social dancing the same day as the line dancing event. The

line dance social should not interfere with the other events, if possible. Make it an all-day affair (10-3 p.m.) with lunch

break and have social dancing as breaks; do not have any night games for people 80 years old and older. I can’t drive at

night time; some events were held district by district. This is a poor method because we have already competed with our

own district. All events should be by state wide age groups. This way we will know better how we stand. Also use a

smaller diameter softball for the softball throw; just keep up the good work; some staff seemed harried or defensive at

times; need separate areas for waiting for signing into events; there was miscommunication regarding registration for

the line dancing competition. The speaker at the podium announced that we would have to be checked in and marked

before competing. We were the first group to dance and I was concerned that we would miss this registration and get

disqualified. I went out to the registration table; the lady at the table told me she wasn’t sure (meanwhile several other

centers came to the table asking the same question). I then went to the stage and asked the nice, kind, friendly man

there – he directed me to ask a lady named Carol Morris. Mrs. Morris told me we had already registered; I went on to

explain to her that there had been an announcement from stage that we would have to register again-I said “every time

I ask someone I get a different answer” to which she replied rather shortly “Then why did you ask me? And gave a

smirky smile. I told her the man on the stage had directed me to ask her and that is why I asked her. I did not disrespect

her in any way because I was on my job and a representative of my city. For that reason, I feel she was a representative

of the Board and should not have spoken to me or anyone else in that manner.; Designate entrances and exits and

inform dance team leaders a week in advance so they can practice-send a diagram of the room and mark the center of

the floor; allow outside spectators and charge an admission to the dance competition; have score sheets prepared

before the day of the competition. Team leaders should be able to see score sheets ahead of time and it would be nice

to get some feedback from the judges when the competition is over and email the team leaders the order of appearance

a week in advance of competition; have an MC/DJ whose only job is to MC/DJ; improve communication all around esp.

for the teams who are not a part of Parks and Rec. – don’t leave to the District Chair; inform team leaders about the

registration process and time line.; add skill levels in line dancing for beginner and intermediate.; For Checkers, put a

time limit on moves; Bowling in the AM; Poorly Ran/Registration too Long; Food was hardly edible; Glad to have the

Master's Games; Staff did a great job; Add "hand & foot " Card Game; Healthier Food/Create Website/Indoor Pool;

Create Tie-Breakers instead of Playoffs; Add Darts/Add Entertainment; Reduce Fried Foods/Healthier Choices/Clear

Game Info; More Staff for Emergency Situations; Staff needs to know rules/Provide more Seating; Review Rules on Rook;

Too much down time between activates; Better Organization/Great Facility; Good Coffee; Better Food; Move Bowling to

the Afternoon; Senior Centers should have more info on games; Enjoyed Word Search Puzzles/Great Meals; Center

Directors should not compete; Indoor Pool/Re-examine Registration procedure; Indoor Pools; Larger Tennis Area/Same

Age Groups; Should Not be able to put cue ball wherever after scratch; Rules for dominoes should be the same for

everyone; Better Organization of Events/Prevents missed events; Scheduling of events are too close/have to choose;

Games too close to one another/Diabetic Meals; Keep up the good work; Terrible Box Lunches/Terrible Registration;

Paperwork should be ready at sign in/Combine Districts; Schedule was terrible/People receiving two byes in one event;

Games were great/Directors should not be able to participate; Couldn't hear when called for event; No games at night

for 80 and over; Review Rules for Billiards; Events should be state wide age group; EMT at each event/Indoor

Pool/Wheat bread for sandwiches; Review Rules for Rook; Rook should not be timed/Best 2 out of 3; Add Pickle ball;

Trained Score Keepers/Move people that smoke away from door; Start events on Time/Don't make athletes wait; Make

sure staff at events know rules and how to score; Include Score Sheets in with the packet/Clearer rules; Representatives

from each district to verify who belongs in event; Reps. To verify who is in each event; Healthier Food Options/No Pizza;

Have the games in South Alabama; Alphabetic Registration; EMT at every event; Registration poor/More volunteers-

know rules/general rules for events; Excellent Staff/Clean Restrooms; Need Better Seating to See Events/Indoor Pool;

Verify Rules for Bowling-Everyone agree to same rules; PA System; EMT at every event/Indoor Pool/Wheat Bread for

Sandwiches; know the rules of ball in hand if you are going to play that rule; same rules at all events; regulation tables

for billiards and start at 9 a.m.; in bowling men grouped on the same lanes against men in different age groups; ditto for

women in bowling; lane courtesy information should be given to each player and included in rules; line dancing three

groups: country western, blues, rock and roll