A one-day event, in which old persons aged 60 and above displayed their talents in sport, indigenous games and fun games, was held on Wednesday at the Mangaung Athletics Stadium.
The event comprised of 300 old persons from Botshabelo, Bloemfontein and Thaba Nchu, playing elimination stages until the winning teams were determined.
The old persons began with a quick warm up session before heading to their respective categories, and enthusiasm was the order of the day.
Neriah Masakale from Thaba Nchu, who participated in duck walk, seemed relaxed with the first routines. She said the event helps them keep fit and active.
“We always have fun in these games. The competition is always stiff, but I always do my best.”
Meanwhile, Bloemfontein’s Erick Moroe, a ball-relay contender, said what excites him is the atmosphere and hoped the event keeps growing as it annually does.
“It’s our time. The event teaches the youngsters of how we, the old people, do things.”
Moroe has been participating in these games since 2012, and said nothing had changed.
They participated in various games such as ball pass and kick, ball relay, ring the stick, rugby ball throw, passing the ball, dress up, duck walk, goal shooting, jukskei and pegging washing peg.
Nurses were also available for screening sessions before the contestants participated.
The Games will now move to the provincial levels from 9-11 September in Hoopstad and culminate nationally in Nelspruit on 27 October.
The event was held by the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in conjunction with the Department of Health, Department of Social Development and the Premier’s office.
Zola Thamae, the director of community sport in the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, lauded the fierceness in the Golden Games Citizen Games event.
