Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 04/99) - Nunavut and the Northwest Territories will be doing their part to mark this year's United Nations International Year of Older Persons festivities.

According to NWT/Nunavut representative, Bishop John Sperry, there are several projects on the agenda.

"We have several projects," said Sperry. "One is an inter-generational project with seniors, whether on tape or written, to record their stories for a best story competition and also to preserve some history."

The story competition will involve students aged 13 to 19 and other interested adults, who will seek out an interview with a senior as part of a competition for the best story.

"One that is ongoing right now is an aging and health program to encourage seniors to walk and exercise," Sperry added.

On Oct. 2, 1999, a "global embrace" will take place as part of the celebrations for International Year of the Older Persons. In every country of the world and in as many communities as possible, people will be taking part in major walking events to promote health and fitness in seniors.

"We want to record the kilometres walked and see how many times we can circumnavigate the globe," said Sperry.

"We also have the Golden Gardens Effort. This project is to encourage seniors, along with younger citizens, to create flower gardens.

"In Yellowknife, the seniors are working on a floral display outside of the Lakeview Cemetery entrance."

The florists involved will also be a part of a competition, sponsored the Canadian Wildlife Association.

The icing on the cake for Sperry, as NWT/Nunavut representative for International Year of the Older Persons, may be a trip to Montreal, Sept. 5-9, for the fourth annual Conference on Aging. Sperry will be attending the conference along with a small delegation from the NWT and Nunavut.

"We will be dealing with all aspects with seniors, such as health, safety and dignity," Sperry said.