On the bucket list of the Mitchell’s Plain Older Persons’ Forum (MPOPF) is its own Older Persons Games, to be hosted in the area, where they can showcase their sporting ability and contribution to society.
Ahead of being elected chairperson, Verdun Meyer, from Woodlands, said by hosting the event they would be leaving a legacy, as the founders of a sports event that would be hosted in years to come.
Mr Meyer and eight other representatives of senior clubs from across Mitchell’s Plain were elected as office bearers during the forum’s annual general meeting (AGM) at Beaconvale Community Frail Care Centre, in Beacon Valley, on Thursday May 31.
Mr Meyer said the forum’s success relied on the support from the various organisations, it represented and that the forum needed to make itself visible on the City of Cape Town’s database.
“Once the sports event is hosted, I cannot foresee us turning back ever.
“It will definitely grow into one of the major events of the MPOPF in Mitchell’s Plain, maybe even in the Western Cape,” he said.
Every year the City of Cape Town hosts a sporting event for the aged to raise awareness about services available to senior citizens and to promote healthy living and active ageing.
Senior clubs and organisations for the aged are invited to participate in an activity-filled day that includes games, races and health screening.
The local forum is an affiliate to the provincial body and its umbrella South African Older Persons’ Forum, whose mission it is to identify and articulate the concerns and needs of older people, as voiced by them, and, in consultation with the government and other role-players, to ensure that these needs are addressed in legislation, services and programmes.