Marikina launches seniors sportsfest

MANILA, Philippines -- The first Senior Citizen International Sports Festival kicks off today with two recreational sports events for the elderly on tap at the Marikina Sports Center.

Teams from all the barangays of the city plus guest and international squads are vying for top honors in ground golf and soft volleyball, the two newly organized senior citizens recreational sports activities.

These sports events are the fastest growing recreational activities for the elderly in Japan, which emphasizes the promotion of a healthy lifestyle since it gives good low impact exercise.

The event also serves as an opportunity for fun, socialization, teamwork and the thrill of competition among the elderly citizens.

The 16-hole ground golf course could be laid out by anybody at any available park or open space, while the soft volleyball game will feature nine players on one side instead of the traditional six, making the sport simple and relaxing for everybody to play.

The four-day sportsfest ending Thursday also coincides with the start of the city’s annual sports program dubbed “A Better Future through Sports” which promotes sports as a vehicle for a Better Quality of Life among the youth and senior citizens sectors.

Expected to grace the 9 a.m. opening rites are MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando, his wife Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando, Tomoko Dodo, director of the Japan Information and Cultural Center and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping.