The 19th edition of the National Senior Games has been cancelled due to the current restrictions on public gatherings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The annual month-long event is open to athletes, 40 years and over, who compete in 15 disciplines. The highlight of the games is the track and field competition which usually takes place on Whit Monday.
The Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, which coordinates the event, announced today that its efforts will now be focused on making sure that next year’s games are “bigger and better”.
In a statement, the Ministry advised seniors to continue their exercise programmes and training regimes while adhering to the public health guidelines aimed at protecting them from the highly contagious viral illness.
The statement noted: “While we are disappointed that this very popular public event had to be cancelled this year, we are also very cognizant of the fact that many of the participants in these games fall into the category of vulnerable persons who are particularly susceptible to this disease. Our priority is to protect our seniors from COVID-19 while encouraging them to continue to practise healthy living.”
