More Barbadians over age 49 should participate in the National Senior Games.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Ernesta Drakes, threw out this suggestion today, during a presentation ceremony for the Most Outstanding athletes at this year???s Games, at the Ministry???s Headquarters in Warrens.

Ms. Drakes said the National Senior Games were the principle feature of the ministry???s active aging campaign which was designed to encourage seniors to maintain healthy lifestyles.

She noted that along with track and field events, other sports such as basketball, cycling, tennis, table tennis, netball and archery were added as a way of generating more interest from spectators.

The Permanent Secretary explained that the track and field events were expanded from one to two days, with participation from five zones in the west, east, central, north and south of the island.

During today???s ceremony, Shirley Harper, who was adjudged the Most Outstanding Female in the 65-69 age group, and Victor Young, the Most Outstanding Male in the 75-79 age category, were presented with their trophies. They both gained 60 points. The Western Zone was voted the Most Outstanding Zone with 941 points.

A number of athletes from the region, including Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia participated in the Games, as well as a contingent from Utah in the United States.

The National Senior Games were held from April 26 to April 27 at the National Stadium in Waterford.

cathy.lashley@barbados.gov.bb

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