Prizes galore as elderly strut their stuff at the Golden Games
THE elderly, some of them heading into their twilight years, came out in their numbers for a day filled with activities and fun, thanks to the Golden Games.
A programme by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health, was aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle through exercise for the aged.
Senior citizens took part in games that promoted body and limb movement, such as the duck walk, athletics, passing the ball, rugby ball throw, ball pass and kick, umlabalaba, jukskei, as well as football for men and women.
While the Chatsworth stadium was the main venue, games were also held at the Curries Fountain Stadium, Hoy Park and Siripat Road Sports Grounds.
Steven Naidoo, 65, who represented the ethekwini Municipality in the men’s 400m race, said that he had enjoyed himself.
“I am very proud to be part of my organisation. Unfortunately, there were quite a few delays as we were not sure about the exact date. The training did not quite go as planned, but we really enjoyed the games, the fellowship and meeting other districts,” said Naidoo.
Eselina Sithole, an 80-year-old representative from the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, who scooped first place in the women’s 100m race, said she was ecstatic about her win as she got to showcase her sporting talents in a fun and physically fulfilling manner. “I am very happy that I have won. I am someone who is a firm believer in healthy living so what is happening today is really great to witness. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every single aspect leading up to this race,” she said.
According to Dr Dumisani Buthelezi of the Senior Citizens Forum in Kwazulu-natal, everything went according to plan.
“Everything went well and challenges that tried to surface were resolved amicably. I wish to thank the various departments and all officials involved, including local, district and provincial Golden Games for their support,” he said.
The Amajuba District clinched the title of 2022 Provincial Golden Games champions, while ilembe District Municipality came in as runners-up, and ethekwini District Municipality claimed the third spot.
MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Amanda Bani-mapena welcomed the return of the games after the two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bani-mapena said that the games were a testament to the elderly’s willpower to live.
“The games are a living testimony that older people are actually eager to prolong their lives. The return of the games is a bittersweet moment because we know that the same participants beat Covid-19 to be here again as some of their peers succumbed to the virus,” she said.
Bani-mapena further cited the well-being of the aged as imperative, adding that the past moments served as a reminder of how crucial it was to care for older people’s health and well-being, as it was a responsibility.
The winning provincial team will be heading to the national finals in Cape Town later this month.