On May 16th, 600 senior citizens participated in the Sports Day for Seniors in Malta and approximately 500 students attended the event.
Organized by the staff of Malta’s Department of Elderly and Community Care and local Day Centres, the event has grown in its importance this year due to the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations.
During the presentation of medals to the elderly who took part in the Sports Day, Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care Mario Galea issued a statement announcing the government’s committment to their senior citizens by providing sports programmes according to their needs. These programmes will be targeted for both the elderly who require long term care and for those who are active within the community.
Besides the fitness programmes organised at 19 day centres for the elderly where approximately 2,000 people attend, a few weeks ago the Government launched the SVPR FIT programme together with the Maltese Council for Sports. This programme targets the residents of St Vincent de Paul Residence (SVPR) and offers 24 fitness classes every four weeks in different parts of the Residence. Moreover, a SWIM FIT programme was launched for those aged 60 +, giving them the possibility to use facilities at the University of Malta’s pool.
Pictures available here.