Active Life Games bring together 600 seniors in two days of sports and fellowship
The closing at Tuna Luso Brasileira celebrated vitality, movement, and joy, reinforcing the commitment of the government of Pará to healthy aging
With smiles, dances, and many medals, the second and final day of the Active Life Program Games brought together about 600 senior participants, concluding the activities on the morning of this Friday (28) at the headquarters of Tuna Luso Brasileira. In addition to the competitions, participants received an invitation to the traditional Baile das Flores, which will be held on December 2 at Mangueirinho. It was two intense days of celebration, integration, and fellowship among the participants in Belém.
The Active Life Program is developed by the government of Pará, through the State Secretariat of Sports and Leisure (Seel), and for over two decades promotes health, social interaction, and quality of life for the elderly.
The secretary of Seel, Cássio Andrade, highlighted the government's commitment to active aging. “The Active Life program transforms lives. Seeing the willingness, joy, and overcoming of each participant reinforces how important it is to invest in public policies that encourage movement, health, and well-being. These games are a celebration of active aging and the vitality of our seniors,” he stated.
Professor Marcos Rabeira recalled the initiative's journey, which has changed the routine of thousands of seniors over nearly three decades. “This program has been around for 26 years, and today we concluded the fourteenth edition of the senior games. It started on Wednesday with the opening, a visit to the facilities of Mangueirão. On Thursday, there was the aquatic part, swimming, cycling, and today we concluded with dominoes, checkers, and dodgeball here at Tuna. It was wonderful; they loved it and already want to do it again. They want to come back next year for the games,” he said.
Among the participants, enthusiasm was also a highlight. Retiree Selma Pires, 67, celebrated the moment with enthusiasm. “I am very happy to be participating for the first time; I feel grateful because a healthy life at our age is extremely important, and I feel fulfilled, accomplished, and thankful for everything,” she said.
The event had its opening ceremony on Wednesday (26) at the Mangueirão Stadium, and on Thursday (27) was the first day of competition for the Active Life Program Games, which included aquatic competitions at the Association of Legislative Assembly Servers of Pará (Asalp) in Ananindeua.
Participants competed in pool cycling with noodles, freestyle swimming with noodles, and freestyle swimming without noodles, in male and female categories. The events were divided into three categories: A – 50 to 59 years; B – 60 to 69 years; and C – 70 years or older.
