Provincial departments hold regional sports day for the elderly at Ruimsig Stadium
The Golden Games are a joint project of provincial sports and social development departments
One is never too old to compete.
Residents from government retirements homes were bused to the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium as provincial departments gave older persons a platform to display their talents. Coming from all of Johannesburg’s regions, the over 60s took part in various sporting events as well as indigenous and fun games on August 23.
The Golden Games, which are hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) together with the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (GSACR), are aimed at promoting active ageing, healthy lifestyle and social integration among older persons. Not just a fun day, the winners of the events would qualify for the provincial championships to be held in September.
As soon as the elderly champions got off the bus, they first went through a brief medical where blood pressure and heart rates were recorded. Thereafter they participated in a multitude of events which included rugby ball throw, jukskei, goal-shooting and a range of track distances.
One reveler, wheelchair-bound Raphael Dlamini was happy for the day out, saying, “We love to get out and feel young again. Even if it is just to watch, I love the fresh air.”
