Israel's "Elderly Olympics" to Set the Pace for Healthy Living

The Sabah Games for the Elderly, due to take place for the first time in Jerusalem this November, is an unparalleled addition to Israel's sporting calendar. While many senior Israeli athletes compete regularly in international competitions, until now Israeli athletes aged 60 and over have not had the opportunity to participate in a competition dedicated to their age group on their own home turf.

Thanks to an initiative by JDC-ESHEL: the Association for the Planning and Development of Services for the Elderly in Israel, over 200 competitors are expected to participate in a variety of professional events including track and field, swimming, bowling, table tennis, badminton, cycling and basketball.

Teddy, a 60+ world record holder in weight lifting in his age group who has represented Israel for over thirty years, is very excited to compete. "I like training and I like competing, for athletes like me competition is our second name!"

Although the games' competitive spirit seems to differ from the successful all-inclusive "Everybody Can" approach used to promote sports activity for the elderly, JDC-Eshel's Director of Health Promotion, Yosefa, explains, they are really two sides of the same coin.

"Competitive sports among the elderly communicate the fundamental message that elderly people are just like any other age group – they can compete, they can win, they can be proud… A sense of pride and self esteem are as essential to the health and well being of the elderly as their ability to participate."

In order to uphold the professional standards required it was key that JDC-Eshel partner with the country's leading sports organizations. The event is a joint venture between JDC-Eshel, the Sports Division of the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Israel Network of Community Centers and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.

The games' message is reflected in its name: Sabah, the Hebrew word for Grandfather, which is also the Hebrew acronym for Sport, Health and Quality of Life.

As Teddy says "I want to be a role model for people younger than me… I want 40 and 50 year olds to see the lifestyle I lead at my age and realize that they can be fit too. I want to help fellow Israelis live a healthy lifestyle and be happy."

In addition, Yosefa points out that the competition is very timely as Israel's sports clubs reveal a growing membership among middle-aged sports enthusiasts. Organizers hope that the games will become an annual event which will attract both increasing numbers of local athletes approaching their senior years as well as competitors from abroad.

The games will take place in venues across Jerusalem on November 1st and 2nd. A gala ceremony featuring the legendary Hora Dance Troupe, a basketball match with former Israeli basketball stars and elderly choirs will take place at the Malcha Basketball Stadium in Jerusalem on the evening of November 1st.