Speech by the City’s Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille, at the
older persons games event today 10 April 2014
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Social Development and Early
Childhood Development, Councillor Suzette Little,
Participants of the Cape Town games for older persons,
Honoured guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning, goeie dag, molweni, as-salaam-alaikum, shalom.
It is really wonderful to see so many of our older citizens here today.
I think that this is such an important event.
Not only is it an important means of bringing our communities together.
It is a celebration of the fact that the best years of our lives are always ahead
of us if we choose to live our lives to the fullest.
I have taken a look at the programme of events for today and I must say that
I am envious of all of you.
The numerous races, games and activities demonstrate that our older citizens
are taking ownership of their lives and putting younger people to shame in
the process.
I think that there are some things that we all have to remember.
While we have to eat healthily and go for regular medical check-ups,
nothing can replace the benefits of regular exercise and healthy living.
I think that that is one of the most crucial messages of today.
While it is important to have a day of fun and enjoyment and a day of
getting to make new friends, there is something that we all need to bear in
mind.
All of our older people need to stay healthy, fit and active – not only for
themselves, but for all of us.
And in so doing, older people can provide a lesson to other Capetonians:
there is no excuse for laziness and no substitute for exercise.
We always talk about becoming a better society and a better city.
We should start with the example of treating ourselves with respect and
ensuring that we have done all we can to live full lives.
Whether we are able-bodied or disabled, we are all part of the same
community and we should encourage one another to ensure that we do all
that we can to be better.
I hope you have a wonderful day and that you all continue to participate in
future.
Thank you, baie dankie, enkosi.