The golden oldies of Cape Town came out in their sporting spirits on Monday for the annual Games for Older Persons at the Green Point Athletic Stadium.
The event was hosted by the City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department and attracts over 4000 seniors every year.
Participants have to be over 60 to qualify for the games, which include bowl-a-hole, basketball, duck walk, brisk walk, wheelchair pegging event, French boules and athletic races on the track.
VIDEO: Venecia Valentine
And the event wouldn’t be complete without a few oumas and oupas breaking it down.
Johanna Anthony, 71, from the Golden Seniors club based in Eersteriver says the event is a must on her social calendar because she gets to “feel young again”.
“I feel like I’m 17 because I get to dance and be free in a safe environment for a day.”
VIDEO: Venecia Valentine
Unlike in previous years, there was no awards ceremony.
Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, says the event also aims to raise awareness about services available to older persons.
On the sidelines, attendees have access to health screening among others.
“Many households and communities lean heavily on their elders. While some are able to carry the load, the reality is that many grapple with socio-economic realities like exploitation and neglect. There are also those who need access to specialised frail care.
“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,” Badroodien says.