Grannies to compete in gogolympics
30 grannies from Canada will compete in this year’s gogolympics.
IT is that time again where grannies compete in the gogolympics and this year 30 gogos from Canada will also be participating in the event.
The Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) has announced that the 2014 gogolympics will take place on Friday 14 March at KwaNyuswa Sports Ground.
This event which has attracted lots of people, is in its fourth consecutive year and the Highway community is invited to attend the event, and donations of food, drinks, prizes for the winners and sports equipment are greatly welcomed.
The sports played on the day will include soccer, netball, skipping, tug of war, duck walk, passing the ball and jukskei.
The event is part of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s Grannie Group project. There are over 36 grannie support groups operating across five different communities, of which roughly 2000 grandmothers are members.
The granny groups meet regularly to support each other in their plight as grandmothers caring for grandchildren orphaned by HIV/AIDS, and other issues facing their communities.
The groups engage in stress-alleviation, skills-development and income generating activities including sewing training, vegetable gardening, chicken and egg projects, home baking projects, literacy training and first aid training.
The sporting programme, the highlight of which is the gogolympics event is designed to keep the grannies fit and healthy and to promote the health benefits of physical exercise.
Sister Cwengekile Myeni, nursing manager and coordinator of the Grannie Group Project from Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, said the event is really about looking after the grannies.
“Our grannies are carrying large burdens from the AIDS pandemic that has swept our communities. They are the head of their households, often having buried many children and now caring for many grandchildren on their own,” she said.
She added that the grannies are often stressed, tired and unfit as they have to take care of so many young and energetic children.
“This is where the gogolympics comes in. It is a fun and fantastic day, but the benefit of the day is really in the months leading up to the event during which the grannies are training and getting fit. This can improve their health, decrease their stress and ultimately help them live longer to spend their days with their grandchildren who have already suffered enough grief through the loss of their parents.”
To be part of this exciting day, contact Laurel Oettle, fundraising and marketing coordinator, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust on 031 765 5866 or email [email protected]
