A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
May Cole was the 2011 Nancy Chaussi Memorial Award recipient
Winners of the Horseshoe Tournament
Getting ready for swimming at the Aquatic Center
Zumba Gold was a hit with those who wanted to bust a move
Elda Cook taking a stroll around the Tri District Elders for the Bingo Walk
Age is just a number. Our elders here in Akwesasne have certainly proved this last week as they participated in the 2011 Senior Games. A territory wide organizing effort went into the 10th Annual event that lasted for four days last week.
“It is about socialization, recreation, exercise and mental stimulation when we plan our program. We take all of this into consideration and what affects your life,” said Judy Hemlock-Cole an Akwesasne elder and founder of the Senior Games. “The idea came from a magazine as one activity that could be done as part of Senior Month in May.”
When Senior Games first began it was held only on the Friday after Mothers Day from 9:00am to 3:00pm. During the past decade the days of the event increased to 4-days.
“The first time I went was as a participant back when the Senior Games was only a one-day event,” said Rosemary Bonaparte another coordinator of this year’s event. “Socialization, socialization, socialization – Senior Games is a chance to see other elders that you wouldn’t normally see and it is about just the fun of it all.”
Each day of the Senior Games began with their social hour along with breakfast, a presentation on a medical issue, and then the events start for the day. The events themselves travel around Akwesasne, being hosted at the Office for the Aging facility, the Tsi Snaihne Recreation Centre, and at the Tri District Elders in Kawehno:ke. Averaging 40 participants per day many were excited to enter their names in for the Grand Prize Drawing of a rocking chair and handmade quilt.
“Having sponsorship from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and CKON Radio meant that all of our events were paid for and free for the elders to attend,” said Hemlock-Cole. “Next year we’ll need more ideas to get the men out there.”
The events themselves were developed so that everyone who wanted to could participate. From walking, to a horseshoe tournament, to indoor volleyball these elders really showed that they have what it takes to keep active.
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