Celebrating Active Ageing at Metropole Golden Games | Western Cape Government

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Celebrating Active Ageing at Metropole Golden Games

9 June 2014

The Blue Downs Sports Complex was filled with excitement as hundreds of people of 60 years and over from senior clubs, organisations and old age homes participated in the Metropole regional Golden Games on 6 June 2014.

The event was hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), supported by the Western Cape Older Persons’ Forum. Participants came from as far afield as Somerset West, Kraaifontein, Diep River, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Ruyterwacht and Elsies River.

A lively and colourful procession by competing teams excited the crowd before the games began. Various track and field events were on offer on the day. Participants could also show their sporting skills in rugby ball goal-shoot, pass-the-ball, dress-up and duck-walk race and “ring the stick”. The best athletes from this event will represent the Metropole region at the provincial Golden Games in August.

Oldest participant Ntombi Mweeni (89) from Masibulele Senior Club in Khayelitsha said participating in the games made her feel younger. “I feel good about myself despite coming last in the duck-walk race. The crowd cheered me on when I lost my balance and that made me feel special. I’m glad to have been a part of today’s event,” she said.

Manfred Josephs of DCAS said participants enjoyed the Games so much that they have requested another event like this to be held soon. After announcing the Metropole regional team, Josephs said that athletes are expected to undergo training sessions to prepare themselves for the provincial Golden Games.

The Metropole Games showed the value of older people participating in sport. It enhances their quality of life, improves their health and inspires everyone in a community to embrace “active ageing”.

 

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za