Boston – Wednesday, July 21, 2010 – Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray greeted the “Vakhegula Vakhegula” or “Grannies Grannies” from Limpopo, South Africa Monday at the State House, organized by Representative Kay Khan (D-Newton), as part of the soccer team’s visit to Massachusetts for the 2010 Veterans Cup Tournament.
“Massachusetts was honored to host the annual 2010 Veterans Cup in Lancaster,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “This tournament offers a great opportunity for adult athletes to stay competitive in the sport, and the South African Grannies is a remarkable team of active and inspiring women dedicated to fitness and a healthy lifestyle.”
“It was wonderful to have the South African Grannies soccer team visit the State House and see first-hand their inspirational spirit and passion for the sport, as well as for the betterment of their own lives and the people of their homeland,” said Representative Kay Khan.
This summer, the United States Adult Socer Association (USASA) extended an invitation to the Grannies to participate in the 2010 Veterans Cup. The South African female soccer team ranges in age from 49 to 84 years old and convenes twice a week for soccer, known as football in South Africa. The team was established five years ago to improve the health and fitness levels of women in Limpopo. The soccer team’s hometown of Limpopo is impoverished, and the population faces challenges to properly treat health problems such as high blood pressure or cancer. The Grannies engage in healthy activities, such as soccer, to help improve their lifestyle.
The annual Veterans Cup tournament was established in 1998 by the USASA with the intent to provide high-level soccer to both men and women 30 years of age and older. This year's tournament was held in Lancaster, MA from July 13 – 18, 2010.
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