Kathorus senior citizens compete in Golden Games
The games targeted seniors aged 60 years and more. This is to make sure that they stay healthy.
Senior citizens around Kathorus were happy to leave their homes and mingle with peers during the Ekurhuleni South Golden Games, held at Vosloorus Stadium on July 5 and 6.
The elderly from various groups enjoyed various sporting activities as they challenged each other on spotting codes like dress-up, duck walks, passing the ball and ball pass and kick.
The Golden Games is an initiative by the Department of Social Development in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Recreation Arts and Culture (GDSRAC).
The GDSRAC sports promotion officer, Gadifele Mogwera, pointed out that the games only target elderlies of the ages 60 years and older. This is to make sure that they stay healthy all the time, she explained.
“Golden Games were initiated in 2006. The games are held annually and we build a team in Gauteng. In the end, the participants from Gauteng will be participating in the Western Cape in October during the old age people’s month.
“They will compete against other participants from eight provinces across South Africa.
Mogwera said the competition prize is medals. However, they enjoy most the outings because they are usually spent their days indoors. With this they are meeting new people and making new friends, she added.
“The positive outcome of this initiative is that they first go to the clinic to get good results, hence the Department of Health is working with us closely.
“Secondly they make new friends because out of this initiative we can build many clubs. In that way they do not have to stay indoors all day. During the day they go to the clubhouse and engage in games and choir activities,” she said.
Johanna Malele, coordinator of Novensi Elderly Club from Mabuya Park said they are new to the Golden Games but are having a great experience as they secured the second position.
“We enjoy the games because it also serves as outings for us. We are very excited to see other people because and we did not know some of the activities we learned today,” said Malele.
A member of Khayalethu Service Center (KSC) said they enjoy the games because it is part of exercising for people over 60 years.
KSC coordinator Tshidi Khanye said the program helps elderly people to stay physically and mentally active. You see them looking young and beautiful and it also relieves stress.
Clubs that took part in the competition are Pull Together Senior Citizens Club (PTSCC), Palm Ridge Senior Citizens, KSC, Shepherds Heaven Community (SHC), Novensi Elderly Club (NEC), Lindokuhle and Zonkiziwe.
Winners (June 5)
• PTSCC from Spuritview, represented by Lindi Hlatshwayo and Siphiwe Kunene, won position one for both duck walk and dress-up.
Winners (June 6)
• PTSCC was first in passing the ball, followed by Novensi in position two and Lindokuhle third.
• KSC from Vosloorus Old Age Home won the ball pass and kick, followed by SHC in second and NEC third.
