Orange to host central west Elders Olympics

With up to 10 teams and over 200 eager competitors, Elders from across the region will descend on Sir Neville Howse Stadium Wednesday 11 April for the 2018 Central West Elders Olympics.

The 5th annual Central West Elders Olympics will once again be a feature of this year’s NSW Seniors’

Festival celebrations in Orange (4 April to 15 April).

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said the Elders’ Olympics will bring together Aboriginal Elders and seniors from

across traditional Wiradjuri country to participate in modified sporting activities and traditional Indigenous games.

“The games are designed for competitors over 50 years of age,” Cr Reg Kidd said. “There’ll be events for all ages and abilities. from modified ball games to traditional hunting games like ‘Gorri’ where participants will throw ‘modified spears’ at moving targets.”

Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee chair Cr Kevin Duffy is looking forward to welcoming the region’s participants to Orange for the Elders Olympics.

“It’s fantastic that Orange is hosting this event,” Cr Duffy said. “The Elders’ games are a great example of

how keeping active can bring the community together.”

Central West Aboriginal Sector Support & Development Officer Jordon Moore, said the event continues to grow each year.

“With teams coming from as far as Dubbo, West Wyalong and Condobolin, it’s a great opportunity to come together for a friendly competition, catch up with old friends, make new friends and have some fun in the process,” Jordon Moore said.

“It’s important to look for ways to build our shared culture for the future.”

During the day the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service will be providing First Aid, and will also be on hand to take blood pressure and talk about the importance of keeping healthy and active as they get older.

Students from James Sheahan Catholic High, Canobolas Rural Technology High and Orange High School will be assisting with the individual activities on the day and working with the Elders to make sure everything runs smoothly.

The event was made possible by a grant through the NSW Seniors Festival program.'

The 2018 Central West Elders Olympics will be held on Wednesday 11 April at Sir Neville Howse Stadium (PCYC), 2-10 Seymour Street, Orange from 10:00am - 3:00pm.

The day is open to spectators, is free to attend and will feature a range of modified sporting activities,

traditional Indigenous games and a cultural experience catered by Indigenous Cultural Adventures.

The Central West Elders Olympics has been generously sponsored by Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council, Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, and Birrang Enterprise Development Co Ltd.