Active pensioners in Bethal welcome a new jukskei pit
Silwerjare’s active residents welcomed the sport of jukskei to the growing activity centre.
The Silwerjare Retirement Home in Bethal added a jukskei (a game where one throws a peg over a fixed distance towards a stake driven in the ground) pit to the premises.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was on March 9, and residents went straight into competitive mode, taking on the volunteers and caretakers in a friendly game.
Residents enjoyed the game’s social aspect and rounded it off with a braai. The initiative by resident Danie Oberholzer, a former jukskei champion, has seen much interest from residents wanting to learn more about the game.
“We try to do as many activities for the active ageing residents. The jukskei pit is one of the activities we are bringing to the residents, with other new activities still in the planning,” said Magriet Scholtz, the SAVF manager at Silwerjare.
Local businesses jumped on board by donating sand and making the pit. Teachers from Wonderland Nursery School painted murals on the property’s wall.
“The idea behind jukskei is to get our residents out of their rooms to lead a healthier, active lifestyle. As the saying goes, a healthy mind shows in a healthy body,” said Scholtz.
Plans are in place to make the pit more wheelchair-friendly for residents with physical challenges. Scholtz said even though many residents have never played the sport before, the new jukskei pit is something most residents enjoy, and they look forward to the weekly practice sessions.
More wooden pins and target pegs are needed, so Silwerjare asks anybody with unused spares to donate them.
With the activity centre’s expansion, there is also a need for gazebos, umbrellas and shading for residents to sit under.
Anyone who can donate or get involved in the expansion of the activity centre can call Scholtz on 082 873 1762.
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