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It has been a day of sprints, duck walks and Jukskei, among others, as more than 1 000 seniors strutted their stuff in what has become a highlight on the annual events calendar to promote healthy living and active ageing. Read more below:
The City of Cape Town’s annual Games for Older Persons took place at the Green Point Athletics Stadium today, 30 March 2016.
As has become custom, more than 4 000 seniors registered to attend the event, which aims to promote healthy living and active ageing. More than 1 300 of them participated in a host of races and games including Jukskei, 25- and 50-metre sprints, duck walks, hula-hooping, boules, and bowl the hole.‘This is the third instalment of our Cape Town Games for Older Persons and the event is proving as popular as when we first started. This event is designed to celebrate active ageing and is a wonderful platform for our seniors to showcase healthy lifestyles. We hope that the younger generation will follow their example and engage in sporting activity to keep fit and healthy, but also to steer clear of negative social influences,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Councillor Suzette Little.
Off the track, attendees could also have free health checks done like blood pressure and diabetes screening tests and receive advice on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
The more than 200 seniors clubs from across the city participated in a march past to round off proceedings, including competing for a prize for the most beautiful banner.
‘This day is about having fun and putting on a world-class event for our seniors where they get to interact with their peers, but also meet new people. It is also an opportunity to escape the hardships that many face on a daily basis, but which don’t often receive the necessary attention. Elder abuse and financial exploitation are but two of the challenges. It is our duty and responsibility to treat our seniors with the dignity they deserve and I fear that for many this is simply not the case,’ added Councillor Little.
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