Seniors to participate in Golden Games
Shiba explained that the Golden Games were proposed as a mechanism to elevate the activities of older persons to a higher level.
Elders from different parts of the province took part in the 2016 Provincial Golden Games at the Ingwenyama Conference & Resort Centre last week.
The pensioners, most of who are above the age of 60 had fun while competing against one another in 17 sporting codes.
According to Ronnie Masilela, spokesperson for social development, over 170 of them will represent Mpumalanga at the National Golden Games to be hosted in Limpopo on an unconfirmed date in October.
MEC Ms Busi Shiba, assured participants of the department’s unshaken commitment to promote active ageing and protecting their well-being and rights. “Older persons remain the most valuable heritage of our time and must be cared for,” she said.
Shiba explained that the Golden Games were proposed as a mechanism to elevate the activities of older persons to a higher level. The games were launched in September 2005 and the programme was then adopted by government.
She added, “This is in line with the second priority of the UN Obligation Madrid International Plan on Ageing.”
The games are characterised by sporting activities which are both competitive and fun. They start from local municipalities and culminate at national level. 
Its aim is to enhance the quality of life of elder persons and to improve their overall health profile.
The games aim to create awareness of their abilities and capabilities in sport and recreational activities. The purpose is also to support and increase the number of elders participating in active ageing programmes.
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