There is always difficulty and challenges when trying to revive something that was a major success for years. That was the case Easter Monday, when the long departed National Senior Games finally took place at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.
The event was organized by the National Council of and for Older Persons with the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Massy Stores and St Lucia National Lottery being among the key stake holders. A similar version of the Senior Games which ceased to exist as of 2009, took place last year at the same venue when it was dubbed the Seniorlympics.
Initially things did not get off to a good start. The starting time was 10:00 am but the proceedings which included a march pass and opening remarks took place an hour later.
Senator Fortuna Belrose who is also the President of the St Lucia Olympic Inc and Mary Albert Smith associated with the prime organizers spoke at the opening.
Smith thanked the sponsors, participants and spectators for attending the National Senior Games and said: “I must admit it has been a challenge, however, with determination and of course the support of government and the committee this event has become a reality. We will not dwell on the years we were not able to engage our senior athletes in the Games. However, we are here today to take part and present you with a special day. The popularity of the Games will never be forgotten. Today our supporters are here with us and many of you here can testify to the popularity of the Games.”
In closing Smith said: “The Senior Games has created an awareness to the active aging among our nationals, entertaining the public while promoting the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyles.”
She reminded everyone that age is just a number and that this society is for all ages. “Older persons this is your day to shine,” she said.
Belrose was also a participant as a member of the Castries East team, decked out in the colors green and black. Speaking to the media later that afternoon she said. “I think it was a well put together event in terms of getting our seniors mobilized across the country, to come and just have a day of fun and of course test their skills. I think it is always important for our society to have events such as this, so people can see their own sense of importance within the scheme of things. We congratulate the St Lucia Council for Older Persons for restoring these Games.”
Attendance could have been better, but then again the Phillip Marcellin Grounds does not compare to the George Odlum Stadium, where thousands of spectators turned up year after year before the facility became a makeshift hospital, following the fire at St Jude Hospital over a decade ago.
Belrose pointed out that it is always a challenge when you try to get something going again after a long absence and said: “This is a step in the right direction and this event will only continue to grow.”
It’s quite possible that next year the National Senior Games will be relocated. No, not back to the old George Odlum Stadium, but according to Belrose, possibly Soufriere where extensive work is presently underway at the Mini Stadium there.
Special guests in attendance included Ambrose Elias and his wife Roselyn. He is a retired teacher who specialized in Physical Education and a founding member of the Senior Games along with the late Hugh Bristol and Athanatius Dolor who was the day’s Master of Ceremonies.
Dolor recalled the glory days when the National Senior Games took place at George Odlum Stadium and said: “The reason we are here today it is indeed shameful. After so many years we don’t have access to the National Stadium [George Odlum Stadium]. We have what we call a certified track and we have to understand the contribution of seniors.”
Dolor went on to mention athletes like Edwin Emanus who in 2006 while competing in a prestigious senior’s competition in Barbados at age 75, emerged as the 200 metre champion and record holder. Several other seniors did well at regional competitions but never received the recognition they deserved.
He went on to say shifting the Games away from the National Stadium is a setback for our seniors, because they two are athletes who also contribute to national development. Then again the dilapidated George Odlum Stadium is in no condition to host any event of this kind. We can only hope that the Soufriere Stadium when completed with an artificial turf playing field surrounded by a track, will be ready in time for next year’s National Senior Games. Wishful thinking!
For the most part seniors enjoyed the day’s activities, although they put themselves at risk running on a very rough uneven dirt track. They competed in various middle distances and sprint races and of course there were very entertaining events, like the lime and spoon and late for church, where participants changed into their Sunday best before sprinting towards the finish line.
Patrick Mathurin of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports assisted in presenting medals to the top finishers in each event.
