| seniors |
Shaw Gladiators navigate their senior years together
words & photography by Kasmira Smith
Fellowship . One ten-letter word signifies a Moultrie elderly group ’ s reason to continue meeting after more than 20 years of operation . The Shaw Gladiators were organized in October 2000 under the direction of former Coach Sam Stewart with a mission to provide a place for senior adults , anyone 55 years of age and older , to fellowship while staying in shape . The organization took its name in honor of its meeting place the A . F . Shaw Gymnasium in Northwest Moultrie .
The senior club began with only seven members including Clarence and Agnes Mills , Scottie Dabney , Dorothy Blount and Jean Sailor . Together , the seniors exercised with a variety of exercise equipment , such as stationary bikes or treadmills , or walked around the gym ’ s basketball court .
“ Coach Stewart had a dream to have an activity for the senior citizens ,” Sailor said . “ We are members of the same church . He asked for a group to come together and get the club started . It was five of us and a couple that met him at the gym . He has retired and he was so good to us . He kept us going for over 20 years .”
Pictured from front to back row from left are the current active members of the Shaw Gladiators including Earnestine Williams , Shirley D . Williams , Dorothy Blount , Erie Wiley , Pat Snead , Ossie Wilson , Fannie Brinson , Evelyn Williams , Jean Sailor and Irma Moss .
34 MoultrieScene JULY 2023