Instead of a boring retirement, life after work can be really enriching and challenging. The Welfare Council’s Vitalita Academy for Life Long Learning believes that either retired people or seniors can unleash limitless potential in life and sports if they make an attempt. In light of this, the academy jointly organised a triathlon training programme for seniors with the Tong Dau Yen All Sports Association Ltd, which allows seniors to taste the fun of being an ironman. The organisers target to form the first team of senior triathletes in Hong Kong to compete in other open ironman events. The academy also hosted a sharing session to brief potential participants on the details of the training programme.
Triathlon is an intense and challenging sports activity but seniors are capable to take up the sport after having all round and appropriate training as well as under professional medical guidance and health monitoring.
Ms Tam Wai Ming, Service Director of the Welfare Council, noted that the triathlon training programme welcomed persons aged 50 or above. Former Hong Kong's triathlon team coach, Mr Wan Shu-wah, would be organising training activities for the programme while the professional medical team would conduct health assessments on cardiopulmonary function, fitness and balancing for senior participants. Participants who passed the assessments could join the programme. The medical team would keep monitoring participants’ health condition during the training to ensure the safety of the professional training programme.
“The programme will be launched between 5th June and 26th July, which includes 16 training sessions in running, cycling and swimming. Seniors who feel interested are recommended to take the challenge in their golden years,” she said.
Still, some attendees expressed concerns over their physical ability in the sharing session. Triathlon coach Wan Shu-wah pointed out that triathlon required good fitness level yet senior participants could still cope with it if they kept practising to enhance their skills according to tips from the coach. Participants who engaged in regular workouts would also see obvious improvement after 3 to 4 months’ training.
“At times, seniors have an even strong will than the young people. Suffering from knee pain, they can still try other forms of training including aquatic exercises,” he added.
Mr Li Ka-wo, a 58-year-old triathlete, shared with attendees that he has taken up the sport for nearly 20 years. He recognised positive impacts of triathlon on health, work and family life. “Apart from health improvement, triathlon enhances my concentration on work as it requires strong focus and perseverance. My wife and son are triathlete as well so it also helps foster family cohesion and family relationship,” he told.
For enquiries on, and enrollment of the triathlon training programme for seniors, please call the Vitalita Academy for Life Long Learning at 2828 3717.