‘Gogolympics’ keeps the gogos fit

THE Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust (HACT) will once again host the Gogolympics on Friday, 13 March at KwaNyuswa Sports Grounds.

This event, which has attracted lots of people, is in its fifth consecutive year and the Highway community is invited to attend the event.

The Gogolympics is designed to keep grannies fit and healthy and to promote the health benefits of physical exercise.

HACT has 43 Gogo Support Groups, operating across seven different communities, of which 2 100 grandmothers are members.

Olvia Myeza, CEO of the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust, said their granny groups meet regularly to support each other in their plights as grandmothers affected by HIV/Aids and other issues facing the community.

“The groups engage in stress-alleviation and skills-development activities, including literacy, first aid, sewing and bereavement counselling training.

“In recent years the gogos have started playing soccer and other sports as a way to keep fit and healthy and to promote healthy living to their grandchildren and the broader community,” said Myeza.

In 2011 the first ever Gogoympics was held, attracting widespread media coverage and community interest.

It has grown from strength to strength each year, and in 2014 grannies from Canada took part in this special day.

Myeza added that they are expecting 2015 to be the biggest Gogolympics yet, with over 1 100 gogo participants.