Seniors show their mettle

Mayor Patricia de Lille with senior citizens at the Cape Town Games for Older Persons.

Senior clubs across the city enjoyed a fun-filled day at the fourth annual Cape Town Games for Older Persons.

The event, at the Bellville Velodrome on Wednesday April 5, drew about 4 000 senior citizens, who took part in track-and-field games such as brisk walking, multri-ring toss and bowl-a-hole.

Mayor Patricia de Lille officially opened and participated in the games, which promote healthy and active living among the elderly.

“We are all here today because we want to say one thing to you. We want to thank you. We thank you for raising all of us and thank you for building this wonderful city that you raised us in. We also thank you for the leadership you continue to provide to us today,” she said.

Also at the event were mayoral committee member for area north Suzette Little, safety and security and social services mayoral committee member JP Smith, social services executive director Ernest Sass and director for social development Alfonso Sauls

Ms De Lille said the City planned to spend R2.7 billion of its 2017/2018 budget on rebates for those who needed them most, and that included the elderly – if their maximum monthly household income was R15 000 or less.

“We also have a dedicated programme for older people so that we can encourage you to lead healthy and active lifestyles,” she said.