PHOTOS: Senior citizens have a blast at Tafta sports day
The elderly residents who participated in the day's activities had fun.
IT was a great day of fun and fitness for scores of energetic senior citizens who participated in The Association for The Aged’s (Tafta) annual combined sports day held at the Addington Primary School grounds in South Beach, Durban, recently.
Femada Shamam, Tafta’s CEO, said participating elderly residents arrived in their numbers, full of energy and gusto, raring to contest against their rivals.
Also read: TAFTA to host 65th anniversary celebration
“We had nine different teams representing the various homes and clubs of Tafta. A friendly competitiveness sizzled through the air as previous champions geared up to defend their title and new challengers prepared to set the bar higher than before.
“During the welcome address, I motivated elders to exercise camaraderie throughout the tournament and offered congratulations on pushing the boundaries of aging,” she said.
Shamam said that following an introduction to the house rules and warm-up exercises facilitated by Tafta staff, it was ready-set-go for the six team challenges that made up the final scores.
“The competition ended with a display of war cries by each team, and the victorious north team, representing John Conradie House and Langeler Towers residents, were gifted the floating trophy during a cheerful awards ceremony.
“It is so important to recognise the power of uniting in purpose to achieve magnificent outcomes. As we cement our 65th year in providing affordable care and support services to older people, our focus is on increased longevity, so that our legacy may continue for future generations,” she said.
Shamam added that the organisation’s aim for this year was to build their partnerships and collaboration.
“This was in order to sustain our organisation going forward, and we are so grateful to have received that support for this event. We would like to thank all of our sponsors. Their assistance has proven that we can achieve so much more by working together towards the common vision of a world supportive of older people,” she said.
Yoshina Kistensamy, Tafta’s divisional manager of operations, expressed her admiration for the elders that participated.
“As staff of Tafta, we become familiar with our residents, learning each of their strengths and capabilities. Their individual achievements and our organisational achievements become amalgamated as we celebrate milestones and journey through life together.
“It is also so heartwarming to see the growth, potential and vivacity that can be found in the golden years of life. We applaud those who embrace new pursuits and take an active-aging approach to achieving goals,” she said.
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