Seniors shine in the fourth annual Mel'Express race across Brussels

Seniors shine in the fourth annual Mel'Express race across Brussels
Teams from 14 nursing homes across Belgium gathered at the Cinquantenaire to compete in the fourth annual Mel'Express race. Credit: The Brussels Times / Sabine Zednik-Hammonds

Over one hundred competitors, including 84 seniors and their 42 carers, gathered at the start line for the fourth edition of the Mel' Express race across Brussels in the afternoon of Tuesday 3 September.

Inspired by the Flemish reality TV show Peking Express, Mel'Express is a race that brings together teams from nursing homes across Belgium to compete in a variety of challenges around Brussels.

As they assembled in front of the arch of the Cinquantenaire park, decked out in Smurf and Magritte-themed costumes, they made for quite a curious bunch. Seniors in wheelchairs and with walking sticks alike were all fired up to snag the winning trophy.

The 14 teams, each consisting of six seniors and three staff members, journey across Brussels to carry out both mental and physical tasks. After several stops in central Brussels and one at Rouge Cloître, the first team to ring the bell at the finish line in front of the Africa Museum in Tervuren would be crowned the winner.

Credit: The Brussels Times / Sabine Zednik-Hammonds

The name Mel'Express pays homage to the Mélopée retirement home in Molenbeek, where the event was first organised in 2021. The race has grown each year, expanding from four homes in 2022 to 11 in 2023. This year there are 14 homes competing, from Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.

The race's creators, Mélopée's physiotherapist Laurent Ruelle and paramedical coordinator Félix Simon, wanted an event that encouraged residents to leave their retirement homes for a day of competitive fun. "Just as it is important not to infantilise seniors, it is equally important not to age them prematurely," explained Simon.

For some seniors, participating in Mel'Express, the race is a chance to visit Brussels for the first time in years, if not ever. One 83-year-old resident from the Charleroi home noted it was her first visit to the capital in 50 years.

While speed is a factor, teams can also win a prize for the most points collected by completing tasks. Seniors had the chance to test their memory with a music guessing game and their senses with a taste test.

Teams also vied for the title of best group costume. Psychomotor therapist Alice Burcklée, dressed as Obélix from the comic series Astérix, proudly showed off a papier-mâché menhir the Mélopée team had prepared, imitating that carried by Obélix. "We're going all out," she said.

Credit: The Brussels Times / Sabine Zednik-Hammonds

Even when faced with the possibility of rain, Burcklée enthusiastically exclaimed, "Who cares!" All teams came prepared for any weather.

The team from Halle, competing in Mel'Express for the first time, sported 1950s rock 'n roll-themed outfits. "We're here to win," declared resident François Deknop, donning a bright purple wig and American guitar sunglasses.

Ruelle and Simon made a dramatic entrance at the start line in a rainbow-painted car, generously lent by Autoworld, the Cinquantenaire's car museum. They led the group in a rousing rendition of Queen's "We Are the Champions," setting a joyful tone for the race.

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