Laughs and plenty of fun for kaumatua
Laughing could be heard coming from all four corners of the Silver Fern Farms Te Aroha Events Centre as kaumatua from around the Hauraki district gathered for the Hauraki Kaumatua Mini Olympics.
While the day was chilly both inside and out, it soon heated up inside the events centre, as the competition began.
Fifty competitors from around the Hauraki district took part in 10 teams, with 50 staff and volunteers on site to help run the day and make sure everything ran smoothly.
Five games were played in the morning followed by another four games and then prize giving.
The oldest competitor was Aunty Betty Williams from the Moehau kaumatua group who came second overall.
A fun time was had by all with the following games played: Stack Cups, Corn Toss, Human Noughts and Crosses, Boccia, Fishing, Memory Game, Monkey and the most enjoyed Noodle Hockey.
The Hauraki Kaumatua Mini Olympics are for Hauraki Kauma¯tua teams only, and the venue used as the fore runner to the next event which is set for May 31, 2018.
The Hauraki Kauma¯tua National Olympic Games are hosted every two years.
There will be teams coming from Tokoroa, Tauranga Moana, Auckland, Hamilton, Te Kuiti and Taumarunui with the Green T Brigade ( Te Aroha kaumatua group) playing the host group for
‘‘While the day was chilly both inside and out, it soon heated up inside as the competition began.’’
next year.
The first ever Hauraki Kauma¯tua National Olympics were held in 2012 and hosted by Te Temu¯, then Whangamata followed by Paeroa.
Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki Kauma¯tua Programme coordinator Hariata Adams, who is in charge of co-ordinating the Mini Olympics said the Kauma¯tua programme offers something for everyone.
Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki is a not-for-profit incorporated society providing health and wellness services for everyone across the Hauraki district and under its umbrella, kauma¯tua (anyone over 50 years of age) gather for social get-togethers.