Grannies who radiate

MISE À DAY

Last week, in South Africa, the first-ever “Granny World Cup” took place, a soccer tournament where only women aged 50 and over can participate.< /p>

France, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, United States and South Africa: the participants came from several countries. Some of them were even over 80 years old!

Inspiring, no?

This tournament was made possible thanks to Rebecca Ntsaniwisi, who also calls herself the “Mother Teresa of the Limpopo”, the province where the tournament was held.

For 15 years, this woman has allowed other women to shine in the world of soccer. She is notably at the origin of the first South African teams of footballing grandmothers who became known to the general public during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Looking at these sports grannies, I realized that in my life I hadn't seen enough older women shine in the public sphere.

More Representation

I am convinced that we would have a lot to gain as a society if we put more of the spotlight on older female role models.

When I saw the players of the “Granny World Cup” in action, I felt soothed.

When I see on television or in the newspaper older women who are happy, fulfilled, free and who feel in the right place, it makes me feel good. Why?

Because seeing women aged 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or even more shine in the world of sport or other allows young women like me to better project themselves into the future, to make peace with aging. It helps to understand that there is no age to achieve.

The younger generations need a range of role models of all ages and let's never forget that grannies are part of it.