The National Senior Games have expanded their reach this year, offering older Barbadians opportunities to participate in 25 sporting disciplines while placing greater emphasis on inclusion for those with disabilities.
Sports Adviser for the National Senior Games in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Ytannia Wiggins, said the programme had been going exceptionally well since its start in August, with activities now in their fourth week.
“So far, the games have been going exceptional,” Wiggins said.
She said the tennis competition had already been completed, while dominoes had continued throughout the season.
Sports Adviser for the National Senior Games in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Ytannia Wiggins (JB)
Week four is among the busiest periods of the programme, with hockey getting under way alongside the finals of the 3×3 basketball and netball tournaments at the Wildey Gymnasium.
Track and field remains one of the marquee events, with the field events scheduled for September 19 at Harrison College and the track events on September 26 at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex.
A 5K walk and run is also scheduled for September 20 along the Mighty Grynner Highway.
The month-long programme will conclude with an active living festival at Barbados Community College on October 1, marking International Day of Older Persons.
“Think of it like a senior Olympics. Every sport you can come and try,” Wiggins said.
She said the expansion of the programme reflected the ministry’s recognition that there were different groups within the community, including older persons with disabilities, who should also have opportunities to participate.
As part of that effort, the games featured a celebrity blind cricket match at Briar Hall, along with blind dominoes and walking netball.
Speaking at the event, which was held on Sunday, Wiggins said blind cricket was selected because it was an established activity in Barbados.
She stressed: “Please always understand, disability is not inability.”
Wiggins said the activities also highlighted the importance of bringing the games into communities and creating opportunities for people to remain active as they age.
Also speaking to the media at the celebrity match, managing coordinator of the games, Kamal Clarke, said the blind cricket event was part of an all-inclusive day aimed at bringing together children, older persons and people with disabilities.
He said celebrities participating in the cricket match were first taught how the sport is played before taking part alongside members of the disabled community.
More than 50 people with disabilities participated in the event, which also featured an outdoor simulation, dominoes and a demonstration by the National United Society of the Blind of how blind dominoes is played.
Clarke urged people to come out and participate in the senior games. “This is a season of entertainment, of fun, of activity and it is all about us living long and living well.” (JB)
