Elder Picnic held at D3

May 6, 2016

Thomas R. Throssell

Gila River Indian News

The Elderly Nutrition Program in coordination with the Gila River Wellness Center hosted a day of relaxation, fun, and games for Community elders at the Elder’s Picnic on April 15.

The scene at the picnic was lively as elders sped by on adult tricycles, shot arrows at targets downfield, tossed beanbags during games of corn hole, and shouted support to teammates during heated matches of chair volleyball.

While the picnic’s theme was centered on sports, the gathering wasn’t solely focused on physical activity. It was also a place of relaxation and socialization.

“It’s a social gathering for our elders to get together and we try to combine physical activity and nutrition information,” said Mary Dixon, Community Nutrition Program Manager for the Elderly Nutrition Program.

“The Wellness Center [staff] set up different activities,” said Dixon. “We have adult-sized tricycles, which the elders are really liking, we have our archery out on the baseball field, …the chair volleyball tournament, which is very popular here, …and stackers, a timed cup game,” which is good for hand coordination, she said.

After the picnic’s festivities came to an end, Community elders sat down to a well-earned meal of ribs, corn on the cob, asparagus, and apple pie to cap off a busy day full of fun and games.