Cape Town Games for Older Persons

Participants at the annual Games for Older Persons at the Green Point Athletics Track.
Senior citizens from across the city showcased their talents on the track and on the field at the annual Games for Older Persons this morning at the Green Point Athletics Track.

The event which is hosted by the Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department aims to promote healthy living and active ageing.

Participants in the track and field events have to be 60-years-old or older. They compete in bowl-a-hole, basketball, duck walk, brisk walk, wheelchair pegging event, French Boules, among others.

Mayor Dan Plato said, “This event is a highlight for many of our seniors and it generates a buzz of excitement that is hard to beat. The participants are advocates for healthy living, something which is very high on the list of priorities for our Community Services and Health Directorate.”

He also urged communities to cherish older persons.

Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Zahid Badroodien, said: “The Games for Older Persons, while focused on fun, also seeks to address these very delicate matters. We want our participants to leave the venue with a sense of accomplishment about their performance on the track and field, but also armed with the necessary information that they need to make informed choices about their personal health and well-being.”