George seniors celebrate active ageing on awareness day

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GEORGE NEWS - The elders from 13 clubs in the George area came together last Friday, 26 June, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, for a day of fun and activity.

The day began at the Rosemoor Athletics Track, where the participants completed the track events of the Golden Games, which had originally been held earlier in May.

PHOTO GALLERY - World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day: George elders on the move!

"These events had been postponed due to the wet weather and heavy rain earlier in the season," said Blanche Benjamin, the chairperson of the George Older Persons Forum.

The winners from Friday's heats will be selected for a district team. About 60 participants are set to represent George in field and track events at the Van Riebeeck Stadium in Mossel Bay on 10 September.

Following the sporting activities, the participants gathered in the Rosemoor Community Hall for a programme of entertainment and a shared meal. A warm and joyful atmosphere was created for everyone involved.

The programme featured awareness talks and presentations from key stakeholders, including the Department of Social Development, the police, the Western Cape Department of Health, George Municipality, Age-in-Action, and other community partners and service providers.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Month is observed internationally in June, and the George Older Persons Forum, in partnership with the George Police, uses this time to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older persons.

Members of Sonskynhoekie, an elderly club in Blanco. Photos: Michelle Pienaar